Education, Inclusion and Technology

Coordinators:

Dr Rafael Conde Melguizo, UDIT, Universidad de Diseño, Innovación y Tecnología.

Dr Rubén Buren, UDIT, Universidad de Diseño, Innovación y Tecnología.

Introduction

Digital transformation has profoundly impacted education, creating new opportunities for teaching and learning while also posing challenges in terms of equity, accessibility, and digital skills development. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, automated learning, and big data are redefining the roles of teachers and students in increasingly interconnected educational environments. These innovations have enabled new pedagogical methodologies, greater personalisation of learning, and access to an unlimited amount of educational resources.

However, digitalisation has also exacerbated certain structural inequalities within the education system. While technology facilitates learning in some contexts, in others, the lack of access to electronic devices, internet connectivity, and teacher training in digital competencies remains a significant barrier. Educational inclusion in the digital age must ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, disabilities, or geographical location, can benefit from the advantages offered by technological tools.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the possibilities and limitations of digital education. Remote learning accelerated the integration of new technologies in classrooms, but it also exposed gaps in infrastructure, adapted methodologies, and teacher training. Additionally, the digitalisation of education has raised new debates about the ethical use of technology, student data protection, screen overexposure, and privacy challenges in educational platforms.

The rise of artificial intelligence in education presents fundamental dilemmas regarding learning personalisation, automated assessment, and the use of virtual assistants in the educational process. While some studies emphasise the benefits of AI in adapting content to different learning paces, others warn about the risks of algorithmic biases and students' dependence on automated tools.

The advancement of social media and online collaborative environments has also transformed the way students access information, interact with teachers, and share knowledge. However, the use of these platforms in education requires critical analysis of their impact on motivation, time management, and the development of responsible digital citizenship. Gamification and immersive learning environments have proven effective in enhancing student engagement, yet further research is needed to explore their equitable and sustainable integration across different educational levels.

This special issue invites researchers to submit theoretical and empirical studies on the intersection of education, inclusion, and technology. Contributions that analyse the challenges and opportunities of educational digitalisation, as well as policies and strategies that can promote equitable and sustainable access to digital education, are particularly encouraged. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this issue aims to foster an academic dialogue that enhances our understanding of how technology is redefining educational models, classroom interactions, and learning dynamics in the 21st century.

Topics of Interest

We welcome proposals related to the following areas of study:

1. Digital inclusion and equity in education: Digital divides and strategies for reducing inequalities in educational settings.
2. Artificial intelligence and automated learning: AI applications for personalised learning and adaptive teaching.
3. Virtual and augmented reality in education: Immersive learning experiences at various educational levels.
4. Distance education and e-learning: Methodologies, platforms, and hybrid teaching models.
5. The use of social media in education: Its impact on motivation, interaction, and knowledge construction.
6. Digital competencies and teacher training: Strategies for enhancing digital skills in teaching environments.
7. Neuroeducation and technology: Contributions from neuroscience to improve technology-assisted learning.
8. Digital accessibility and inclusive education: Designing technological resources for students with disabilities.
9. Gamification and game-based learning: Innovative strategies to enhance the educational experience.
10. Ethics and privacy in digital education: Data protection, digital rights, and security in educational technologies.

Keywords

• Digital education
• Inclusion and accessibility
• Artificial intelligence and learning
• Digital competencies
• Gamification and education
• Social media and learning

Submission deadline: 01/07/2025