Giving Compass' Take:

• Tom Vander Ark discusses where EdTech is headed in 2018 in relation to  broader trends such as the direction of the future of workforce and the nuances of personalized learning.

• What is the relationship between trends in the workforce and trends in education?

• Read about how trends in technology influence education.

Despite more global investment in EdTech, not much happened in 2017. Here's a look at where the innovation is happening this year.

Broader aims. Given exponential change in the #FutureofWork, a growing number of schools, districts and networks are adopting new student learning goals. Some describe it as an updated profile of a graduate.

Most schools are paying more attention to social and emotional learning (SEL). The Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social-Emotional and Academic Development has advanced the conversation and will provide additional resources this year. Leading SEL advocate CASEL will expand its city and state partnerships (check out this podcast with CASEL chair Tim Shriver).

Given the interest in growth mindsets, SEL and career readiness, a growing number of schools are engaging students in project-based learning and all of its more open-ended maker and inquiry-based cousins.

Personalized learning. Most schools have made a commitment to personalized learning which powered a few years of strong Chromebook sales and elementary adoption of adaptive learning tools (DreamBox, i-Ready).

Most promising are new school models sponsored by XQ, NGLC funds, and NewSchools Venture Fund. These bundle broader aims, new tools, and powerful learning experiences.

Read the full article about new innovations in EdTech for 2018 by Tom Vander Ark at Getting Smart.