6 key takeaways from ISTE 2026: How educators are applying AI
Microsoft highlights how educators are integrating AI into classrooms, focusing on practical applications and learning impact. The company emphasizes secure tools, training, and research-backed methods to support deeper learning.
The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.
At ISTELive 2026, educators explored AI's role in education, moving from experimentation to practical use. Microsoft introduced tools like Teach, Assignments with AI guidelines, and the Study and Learn Agent to support confident teaching and deeper student learning.
Microsoft Elevate for Educators, a global community of 43,000+ teachers, shared strategies for integrating technology. The event emphasized the importance of training, guidance, and research-backed learning science to maximize AI's impact in education.
The Microsoft AI in Education Report provides insights into AI adoption, highlighting the need for coordinated institutional approaches. Educators discussed aligning AI use with teaching practices, governance, and institutional priorities to ensure effective implementation.
Minecraft Education launched the Velocity Prize, a global challenge for students aged 13–16 to apply AI and coding skills. The initiative includes AI literacy resources, helping educators and families understand and implement AI responsibly.