After a dozen years of doing these bold predictions, one thing is always true…I’m wrong a lot. However, i will say you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take so I’ll continue to dredge forward in the years to come. (I’m already working on my 2026 list). A couple of things I couldn’t have predicted this year were the complete dismantling of the Department of Education (though I probably should have predicted this) or the rapid rise of the phrase “6-7” amongst all generation alpha kids. But let’s face it, neither of those are BOLD predictions. We have to try and make some waves people! Here’s a look back at my full predictions and below are my somewhat biased review of how they held up:
Prediction: There will be a rapid increase of “AI Schools”
Outcome: This is real, not AI-generated
Admittedly, this wasn’t that bold of a prediction (hey, you gotta have a few layups right?). As of December 2025, schools with AI as the main teacher (Alpha Schools) continue to grow with 16 in the US and a few in the UK. Also, more and more public schools are starting to launch some sort of “AI literacy” track to help students prepare for an AI-laiden future.
Prediction: You’ll soon be able to buy stock in schools
Outcome: Market crash
I so want this to happen, but alas, it’s probably going to only be something that happens in private schools. That said, here in Texas, the Governor is talking about pulling all funding for public schools (or eliminating property taxes, which is our main funding source), so schools might have to get creative going forward. I think there could still be a future where this happens…I’ll just have to check back in 6-7 years.
Prediction: K12 Crypto Launches
Outcome: Bitcoin is safe…for now
This prediction was somewhat tied to the stock market prediction above. I figure if anyone can make a meme-coin why not K12? Some aspiring company out there might make this happen in the future. I can see a future where you can “earn” some sort of currency when you go to a conference or event and then exchange that for swag instead of raiding the vendor hall for pens and hard candy.
Prediction: Uber-like education services become a thing
Outcome: Still waiting on that ride
With the rise of on-demand services (and conveniences), it’s only a matter of time before we have some sort of Door-Dash like service where students can hire a quick tutor. I know there are online/virtual platforms available for this service now and that many students (mine included) are using ChatGPT to help them study, but you still can’t replace the human connection. AI can’t truly understand how a student thinks and learns, so while it’s helpful, a human in the loop is much more impactful.
Prediction: Robots won’t replace teachers, but maybe custodians?
Outcome: Clean-up on aisle 3.
This one is actually starting to happen. While a few colleges have played around with nightly cleaning robots, there are now some K12 schools using them as well. Waco ISD (TX) is trying out PUDU CC1 robots to help with germs and the spread of the flu and Lakeside School District (AR) is currently piloting CenoBots to clean hallways and common areas. I do think as schools look to save money and improve on safety, security and cleanliness, the robots will continue to rise. Now, if they would just invent one to put away my laundry….
Prediction: The new Secretary of Education will be on the UndiruptEd podcast
Outcome: Episode thrown over the top rope
My co-host Dr. Adam Phyall and I held out some hope that we would connect with Linda McMahon, but alas, her people decided it wasn’t worth her time. I understand, it’s probably hard work dismantling a 45-year old department, but I was hopeful she would come on the show. It’s a shame too, I really want to ask her if we could bring back the steel chair into the classroom for both flexible seating and for smacking someone across their back when they disagree with you.
Prediction: Transformative furniture will re-imageine the traditional classroom space
Outcome: And how are we going to pay for this?
When I first saw these amazing transformative tables that MIT labs created, my mind was blown with possibilities for the classroom. Alas, it turns out schools need money to buy such things, so for now, if we want transformative furniture in schools, you’ll have to take the legs off a table to make it shorter or just throw a couple of bean bag chairs on the ground that you found at Goodwill. Can you tell I’ve feeling pretty snarky about school funding?
Prediction: The Meta Smart Ray-Bans go next level
Outcome: I can see a little bit clearer now….
Without belaboring the point about a lack of funding (too late), I will say that finances won’t likely be the reason these never happen fully in schools. With the rapid rise in cell phone bans across the country, I doubt any school would want to encourage students wearing these connected devices, even if it helps them learn. I do think that ESL students could benefit greatly from these given that their real-time translations are getting better. But those might have to be relegated to earpod type devices and not full-on-your-face glasses.
Prediction: I will publish a ressponse book to “The Anxious Generation”
Outcome: Nailed it
It’s actually easy to make predictions come true when you have control over them. In early fall of this past year I released ZENgaged: The Educator’s Guide to Teaching the Anxious Generation. Inside, I pack it full of lessons, activities, and strategies for working with students (specifically teenagers) that are a part of this “anxious” generation. The teachers that have read it have enjoyed it, but they have also mentioned “can you make one for parents?” Hmmm…maybe a 2026 prediction?
Prediction: Some kid will get rich using AI to invest
Outcome: Cha-ching!
We use AI for everything from brainstorming ideas to therapy, so why not use it to help guide investments? One student did this very thing and used ChatGPT to turn his $100 into a quick profit in just 4 weeks. While technically this prediction happened, that’s a pretty short window to measure success. Also, I have to wonder, how long before companies start to manipulate AI outputs? Next thing you know they’ll be running for office!
Looking back at this year’s predictions, I would say I’m at a 20ish percent success rate which isn’t bad. But honestly, I write these not because I hope they’ll come true, but because I want people to think about ways we can change teaching and learning with technology going forward. I do feel like my predictions in 2025 were more focused on money (must have been something in the air last January) so I’ll try and be a little more balanced when the 2026 ones come out in a couple of weeks.
Until then, happy holidays and a happy new year!
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