3. Self-directed learning emerged as a critical engagement tool. Surveyed students’ preference for a school culture where self-directed learning is the norm is valued by 55% of high school students. Among students who say that they wish their classes were more interesting at school, 60% identify this learning preference.
4. Teachers have also become more comfortable using technology to personalize experiences for students. For example, 37% of teachers this year said they were very comfortable using technology to personalize experiences for students in their class; only 21% of teachers said the same in the 2019-20 school year.
5. Additionally, 44% of teachers report that, as a result of remote learning experiences, they now understand how to engage students effectively in learning when that learning modality is online. Email (67%), mobile apps with conversational capabilities (61%), and text messaging (54%) remain the most effective way for high schoolers to communicate with teachers.
“Educators and learners’ experiences during the pandemic continue to bring into sharper focus the importance of student agency when it comes to engaging learners,” said Dan Seeley, Vice President, Product Management for Community Engagement at Blackboard. “Empowering learners to direct their unique learning journey demands a personalized experience, tailored to each student’s needs.”
Five questions K-12 leaders should be asking today
Using the survey data as the foundation, the new report proposes five key questions that every K-12 education leader should be asking today as a result of the ongoing disruptions to school for many students in the United States. The five questions set out in the report prompt the reader to think deeply about what is needed to ensure that student agency and equity is a top priority in their school or district.
Those five questions are:
- How does technology support student learning and agency across a variety of educational settings and classroom formats?
- What has been the impact of remote learning and digital learning formats on students’ perceptions of school and education?
- Are our students more or less engaged in school today?
- What types of learning experiences do students want and prefer?
- What can your school or district do to meet the needs, expectations, and aspirations of students for a more equitable and engaging learning experience?
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
- AI use is on the rise, but is guidance keeping pace? - January 2, 2026