Technology and Learning: Issues Vital to Address

This book unpicks how the growing role of technology, particularly tools designed to solve real-world problems, impacts thinking and expression. Mind-bending AI-generated fact, fiction, art and music challenge the boundaries of machine capability and human consciousness. Quantum physics views consciousness as self-observation reliant on language and thinking. Now machines implement life routines, there is a need for better human thinkers and communicators for tackling issues, like climate change and overpopulation. World Thinking Studies show decline in language and thinking, with one-third of adults lacking them for life needs. Technology reduces direct talk - essential for thought. A 2024 Mental State of the Year study finds Britain the world’s second most miserable place, only slightly more cheerful than Uzbekistan, showing inability to think through and solve problems. The subjects discussed in this book are processes, for applying technology successfully; practices, to determine how to implement technology support for thinking, communication, and collaboration; performance, in terms of student technology experiences; and predictions, to outline and analyse current technology trends.