Call for papers: Extended Education in a Technology Augmented world

Guest Editors:
Barbara Bruschi, Department of Philosophy and Education Sciences, University of Turin, Italy;
Laurent Dutoit, Dicastère Enseignement, HES-SO, Switzerland;
Ioannis Lefkos, Department of Educational & Social Policy, University of Macedonia, Greece;
Manuela Repetto, Department of Philosophy and Education Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.

This special issue explores Extended Education as an evolving and dynamic concept that leverages advanced technologies to transcend traditional educational boundaries in terms of learning contexts, methods and geographical areas. In this technology-augmented world, education is no longer confined to formal education and traditional education settings and paths; instead, it encompasses various learning contexts, including informal learning environments, higher education and lifelong learning (LLL). Extended education promotes the creation of a borderless and inclusive educational landscape, particularly with the development of internationalisation through virtual mobility (BIP, COIL, etc.) and the emergence of micro-credentials. Technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are key tools driving this transformation, offering new learning methods reinforcing flexibility for learners and new avenues for skills development and for personalised, inclusive, and accessible learning. Technology enhances educational access and quality in marginalised and disadvantaged geographical areas, supporting equal educational opportunities everywhere. 
Therefore, this special issue of the Italian Journal of Educational Technology (IJET) seeks to attract contributions of research, reviews and theoretical articles to advance a holistic understanding of extended education in a dynamic and complex technology-enriched landscape, highlighting the potential for transformative educational experiences for all learners, regardless of location or socio-economic barriers.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• How AI-driven tools extend learning experiences, allowing flexibility for students of all ages;
• The role of adaptive learning systems in professional development and upskilling;
• Applications of AR/VR for skills-based learning (e.g., in medical simulations, engineering, and the arts);
• Simulating real-world scenarios using XR for employee upskilling;
• Leveraging game mechanics to engage learners and enhance retention;
• Extending education environments through gamification;
• Scaling hybrid models for global education systems;
• Extended educational contexts: technology in formal, informal, lifelong learning, and their interconnections;
• The role of VR, AR, AI, and robotics in creating extended immersive, accessible learning environments;
• Technology-facilitated internationalisation (e.g., virtual mobility, micro-credentials, Blended Programmes);
• AI as a co-educator extending teacher capabilities, not replacing them;
• Policies, practices, and frameworks for equitable technology-augmented education.

 

Contributions of the following types are welcome:

• Theoretical articles (about 6,500 words);
• Research articles (about 6,500 words);
• Reviews of the literature (about 7,000 words).

Contributors should make their submissions by February 15th, 2025, through the journal website, after registering as an author (if not previously done). Upon submission, please mention this call for papers in the field “Comments for the editors”. Papers should be in English, follow the instructions for authors and be laid out according to  the  journal template. All contributions are subject to a double blind peer review process. Publication is expected by the end of 2025. 
For further information about this special issue, please contact manuela.repetto[at]unito.it