Dear Colleagues,

TOJET extends a warm welcome to all our readers.

Today, technology is advancing rapidly across the globe, significantly impacting many aspects of our lives. Technological advancements, both in hardware and software, create important interactions between society, culture, organizations, machines, technical processes, and phenomena. Educators must understand these connections as technology directly affects teaching and learning processes. Consequently, educators increasingly integrate technology into all aspects of their professional lives, including curriculum development, classroom instruction, and student assessments. For this process to progress efficiently, educators need to be informed about the cultural and cognitive dimensions of technology and technical knowledge, as well as evaluate its contributions and limitations to education and human development.

The Concept of Technology:

When people think of "technology," they often envision machines, electronic devices, scientific tools, or industrial systems. However, formal sources (such as collegiate dictionaries) suggest that the concept of technology has a broader meaning. Technology is defined as the "practical application of knowledge" or the "method of accomplishing a task using technical processes, methods, or knowledge." In this context, technology emerges as a tool that enables humans to apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems and enhance their quality of life.

Definition of Technology:

1. The practical application of knowledge, particularly within a specific field.

2. The method or process of accomplishing a task through technical means, expertise, or procedures.

3. The specialized aspects inherent to a particular area (such as educational technology).

The use of technology is not limited to machines (e.g., computer hardware) and tools. It also encompasses structured relationships between individuals, machines, and the environment. Therefore, technology is more than just tools and equipment; it reflects the complex interplay of human cognition, sociocultural environments, and technological artifacts. Moving beyond superficial understandings of technology requires a deep exploration of human cognitive processes, social contexts, and interactions with technology.

Educational Technology and Its Importance:

Educational technology refers to the integration of technological tools and innovations into educational processes. This field includes various innovations such as digital platforms, AI-assisted learning tools, online course materials, virtual classrooms, and augmented reality to enhance the learning experience for teachers and students. The primary goal of educational technology is to make learning more accessible, effective, and engaging.

Advantages of Educational Technology:

• Personalized Learning: Technology provides content that aligns with students' individual learning paces and styles.

• Flexibility in Time and Space: Online learning tools enable education independent of location.

• Interactive and Engaging Learning: Virtual classrooms and digital platforms foster greater interaction among students.

• Resource Diversity: Digital libraries, video lectures, and simulations offer students a wealth of resources.

Challenges in Educational Technology:

• Access and Digital Divide: Not all students may have equal access to technology.

• Teacher Competency: Educators must adapt to new technologies and use these tools effectively.

• Technological Dependency: Over-reliance on technology in education may negatively impact students' social skills and creative thinking abilities.

TOJET and Educational Technology:

TOJET plays a significant role in disseminating new advancements in educational technology on a global scale, contributing to educators and researchers. These contributions foster innovation in the field of education and support technological transformation.

As an editor, I am always honored by TOJET’s valuable contributions to the field of educational technology.

TOJET, in collaboration with international universities, will host the IETC 2025 Conference (www.iet-c.net) in Rabat, Morocco between July 10-11, 2025

Call for Papers:

TOJET welcomes academic studies in the field of educational technology. Submitted articles may address topics such as the use of technology in classrooms, the impact of technology on learning, and the perspectives of students, teachers, administrators, and the community on educational technology. Such studies will enhance the quality of theoretical and practical approaches in educational technology.

Article Submission Criteria:

• Submitted articles must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration by  another publication.

• Articles may cover a wide range of topics, including assessment, attitudes and beliefs, curriculum design, equity, applied research, learning theories, sociocultural issues, and educational practices for special populations.

January 01, 2025
Editors,

Prof. Dr. Aytekin İŞMAN
Sakarya University

Prof. Dr. Jerry WILLIS
Louisiana State University