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Instructure's Inaugural EdTech Top 40 for Higher Education

Instructure, well-known for its Canvas LMS platform, has recently launched the EdTech Top 40 report that explores the digital learning landscape in U.S. higher education. Released on September 29, 2026, this report synthesizes data from approximately 19.5 million users between September 2025 and April 2026, and uncovers fascinating insights into the current state of educational technology.

The primary takeaway from the report illustrates that, despite a heightened focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational sector, dedicated AI tools do not appear among the top 100 technologies utilized in higher education. This finding sparks intrigue as educational institutions increasingly gravitate towards advanced technologies for enhancing student learning experiences.

Key Findings of the Report

One significant highlight of the report is that content, collaboration, and video functionalities together account for over 50% of the Top 40 technologies used in these learning environments. The integration of Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) among higher education institutions revealed an average of 28 integrations per institution, in stark contrast to four for individual instructors and five for students. This indicates a diverse but concentrated approach to technology usage focused on enriching the educational infrastructure.

Melissa Loble, Instructure's Chief Learning Officer, stated: "Higher education leaders need to look at the learning environment as a whole and ask how each tool fits into the experience they're creating for learners and educators." This underpins the necessity for educational institutions to ensure that all tools effectively contribute to the overall learning experience rather than merely concentrating on their individual capabilities.

The Growing Interest in AI

Despite the lack of dedicated AI tools within the Top 100, Google Gemini emerged as the most widely utilized AI tool, reaching nearly 88,000 users across 211 institutions. However, it did not make the Top 100 rankings. It is crucial to note that the report reflects LTI launches that indicate formal integrations rather than personal or consumer AI applications that may be used independently by students or faculty. Instructure's other studies reveal that only 11% of higher education educators have received comprehensive training in AI.

The lower rate of AI adoption can also be attributed to the critical evaluation institutions conduct around accessibility, data privacy, and compatibility before integrating any new technological tool into their learning environments. As highlighted by Mary Styers, the Director of Evidence and Learning Strategy at Instructure, "Formal AI adoption requires a higher bar than individual pilots or experimentation."

Comparing Tech in Higher Education and K-12

The report delineates a stark difference in technology preferences between K-12 and higher education systems. For instance, personalized learning tools constitute 27.5% of the K-12 EdTech Top 40, contrasting sharply with only 2.5% in higher education. Similarly, assessment management tools account for 22.5% in K-12 against just 7.5% in higher education institutions. The findings emphasize the need for colleges and universities to tailor their technology stack to enhance educational delivery distinctly.

Significance of Security and Accessibility

Security and accessibility remain paramount considerations when it comes to technology adoption in educational institutions. According to the report, an impressive 90% of the Top 40 technologies maintain a publicly accessible Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), reflecting their commitment to ensuring educational equity. Furthermore, 75% reference SOC 2 compliance, while 58% adhere to the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT).

A Director at InstructureCon's Partner Summit remarked on the importance of having substantial accessibility documentation, labeling it as a non-negotiable criterion for any forthcoming vendor discussions. The top technologies' wide reach and rigorous standards set a benchmark for new integrations within colleges and universities.

Content and Connection at the Forefront

Instructure's findings reveal that content tools constitute a remarkable 27.5% of the Top 40. Leading content tools are dominated by commercial publishers and distributors, while open educational resources are likely underreported due to their ease of integration into the LMS without necessitating an LTI launch. Collaboration and video, as primary utilities, make up another substantial 25% of the Top 40, with platforms like Zoom leading the charge featuring over 9 million users.

The comprehensive analysis draws upon anonymized data from Canvas LTI launch records from September 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. It encapsulates data from community colleges, R1 research universities, and various online learning institutions, creating a wide-ranging picture of educational technology usage across the United States.

You can explore more details in the full report: EdTech Top 40 Inside the U.S. Higher Education Digital Learning Stack.

Instructure is committed to building educational ecosystems beneficial for both instructors and learners globally. Its dedication to safety, privacy, and quality assurance positions it as a leader in educational advancements.