Paul Welty, PhD AI, WORK, AND STAYING HUMAN

The Biggest Education Trends Of The Next 10 Years

The Biggest Education Trends Of The Next 10 Years
Discover the top education trends shaping the next decade, including AI, immersive learning, and neurotechnology, to prepare for the future of learning.

“In today’s fast-moving world, a model where we graduate in our youth prepared for a lifelong career is simply no longer valid.”

The Biggest Education Trends Of The Next 10 Years

The landscape of education is poised for profound transformation over the next decade, driven by cutting-edge technologies and changing societal needs. As the traditional model of lifelong career preparation becomes outdated, ongoing education, upskilling, and reskilling are becoming essential. Here, we delve into the pivotal education trends forecasted to shape our future by 2035.

Immersive virtual learning environments

Revolutionary advancements in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) promise to blur the lines between physical classrooms and digital learning spaces. By 2035, students will engage in highly immersive simulations and scientific experiments, regardless of geographical barriers. This democratization of education, however, must address concerns about social isolation and extended screen time impacts on young minds.

Ai-driven adaptive learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to personalize education like never before. AI-powered systems will create hyper-personalized curriculums by assessing individual learning styles and abilities. These systems can even offer emotional support and adapt teaching strategies based on biometric data. Despite these benefits, issues of data privacy, potential biases, and the evolving role of human educators necessitate careful consideration.

Neurotechnology and accelerated learning

Forward-looking innovations in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) could accelerate learning processes and aid students with disabilities. By enhancing cognitive functions, BCIs might revolutionize education. However, ethical and security implications will play a crucial role in shaping their integration into mainstream learning environments.

A lifetime of learning

The notion of a “job for life” is becoming obsolete. Future graduates must embrace continuous education and adaptability. Companies like Amazon are spearheading this change with degree-level apprenticeship programs. Expect a surge in online, modular, and micro-learning opportunities. Soft skills development, crucial for staying relevant amid AI and automation, will gain prominence alongside traditional STEM education.

In embracing these trends, we can pave the way for an innovative, inclusive, and lifelong learning journey that meets the evolving demands of our fast-paced world.


Featured writing

Why customer tools are organized wrong

This article reveals a fundamental flaw in how customer support tools are designed—organizing by interaction type instead of by customer—and explains why this fragmentation wastes time and obscures the full picture you need to help users effectively.

Infrastructure shapes thought

The tools you build determine what kinds of thinking become possible. On infrastructure, friction, and building deliberately for thought rather than just throughput.

Server-Side Dashboard Architecture: Why Moving Data Fetching Off the Browser Changes Everything

How choosing server-side rendering solved security, CORS, and credential management problems I didn't know I had.

Books

The Work of Being (in progress)

A book on AI, judgment, and staying human at work.

The Practice of Work (in progress)

Practical essays on how work actually gets done.

Recent writing

We always panic about new tools (and we're always wrong)

Every time a new tool emerges for making or manipulating symbols, we panic. The pattern is so consistent it's almost embarrassing. Here's what happened each time.

Dev reflection - February 03, 2026

I've been thinking about constraints today. Not the kind that block you—the kind that clarify. There's a difference, and most people miss it.

When execution becomes cheap, ideas become expensive

This article reveals a fundamental shift in how organizations operate: as AI makes execution nearly instantaneous, the bottleneck has moved from implementation to decision-making. Understanding this transition is critical for anyone leading teams or making strategic choices in an AI-enabled world.

Notes and related thinking

Embracing AI in Education: Balancing Integrity with Future Workforce Demands

Explore how educators can balance academic integrity with the need for AI literacy, preparing students for a future-driven workforce.

Article analysis: New tool translates college learning experiences into workforce skills

Discover how a new tool from Riipen and Lightcast aligns college curricula with real-world skills, enhancing student readiness for the workforce.

Article analysis: Transforming Education: Analyzing Sam Altman's Vision of AI-Powered Personalized Learning

Explore Sam Altman's vision for AI-driven personalized learning, revolutionizing education with virtual tutors and fostering critical thinking for future...