Learning in a Digital World: An Introduction

Abstract

In recent years, several scholars have called for more inquiry on the role of interactive media in learning in the digital and hyperconnected world. While the interplay of technology and learning may be difficult to fully unfold, current evidence suggests that technological innovations have an important effect on learning, engagement, and achievement in all educational settings --formal, non-formal and informal. This book compiles contemporary and multidisciplinary research in this area, with the goal of arousing other investigators to contribute to the growing empirical literature on interactive media for learning. The chapters in this book explore research questions on technologically mediated learning from a variety of theoretical and methodological frameworks, in several different types of educational contexts, and from different participant perspectives (students and teachers). In doing so, the book is expected to shed light and raise academic discussions on the interplay of interactive media and learning in formal, non-formal and informal educational settings -how learning gains emerge and are documented, and how the use of interactive media relates to important behavioural, motivational, and achievement outcomes.

How Do Pre-/In-Service Mathematics Teachers Reason for or against the Use of Digital Technology in Teaching?

“…Given the growing role of technology in society and education, as well as the growing number of digital technologies [1] available to teachers [1][2][3][4][5], it is important that the technology-related competencies of educators constantly evolve [6]. Educators must decide increasingly more often which types of technology to integrate into their teaching practice and when to integrate them to be effective and meet the demands of society and their learners, not only because of curricular guidelines/standards, but also because of their intention to prepare their students for a work environment in a future that will be even more digitalized and driven by technology [7].…”

Mobile game-based learning in the era of “shifting to digital”

“…There is a lot of expectation around emerging technologies to continue to advance teaching and learning but at the same time, lack of research to inform teachers, learners, education managers and even parents on best technologies for specific learning tasks (Díaz and Ioannou 2019). Digital games are one such technology.…”