Gerald P. Ardito
Editor, ITLT

In my job as Associate Professor of Science and Computer Science Education and Associate Dean of the School of Education at Manhattanville University, I have recently been in frequent conversations – as no doubt many of us have – that are thinking about the ways that technologies can enhance the learning of K-16 students and the development of those who teach them. Too often, these discussions are focused more on tools that I would like: How will generative AI enhance and/or destroy learners and learning everywhere? How can learning management systems’ analytics be used to capture/improve student engagement? What technologies should teacher candidates engaged with as part of their teacher preparation programs?

As a result of these discussions, I find myself wanting to think more and more deeply and, most importantly, first, about learning and how we engage ourselves and our students in learning itself. Once we do that, we can then more productively think about the technologies and techniques that can enhance learning.

A paintbrush is as much a technology as a manufacturing plant, and teaching is far more akin to painting than manufacturing, though it shares many common features with both. Teaching can be thought of as the application of tools, methods, principles, techniques, and structures to help people learn… (Dron, 2024, p. 3).

In this issue, we have collected a set of articles that focus on some technologies that can contribute to learning. Judy Henning and her colleagues look at the relationship between prior experience with 1:1 computing and its impact on teacher preparation. Annika Buell and Sohyun Meacham share their work to develop critical thinking regarding online text in second graders. In their literature review, Hongyan Yang and Rachel Wong highlight research around the use of ePortfolios in post-secondary education. Finally, Matthew Botkin reviews Al Kingsley’s book My Secret #EdTech Diary.

Excelsior!

References

Dron, J. (2024). How education works: Teaching, technology and technique. Athabasca University Press.