About this Research Topic

Background

This Research Topic on interactions and intersections in the educational context aims to collect, in a broad way, new practices and models of relationships (interactions) between students and teachers, and also between students, teachers, and new technologies, which have been applied in this context in recent years. These interactions are already occurring in educational institutions at all levels and are expected to increase shortly.

On the other hand, educational institutions are no longer self-sufficient islands in which teachers and students interact, but are incorporating new intersections into their educational work: intersections with social actors in the instructional processes (presence of other professionals - doctors, psychologists, computer experts, social educators, social workers, etc), greater relations with companies, as in the case of dual training in vocational training, and the unstoppable arrival of artificial intelligence and robots. Likewise, these interactions and intersections are now seen through the lens of emotions, more work is being done on soft skills and well-being is seen as a key objective to promoting learning. Even animal-assisted therapies or relaxation spaces may change the way we develop teaching and learning in the years to come.

The above elements form a wide range of educational possibilities for these intersections and interactions, which we want to bring in this special issue on present and future education, in a wide range of theoretical, research or case studies.

In this Research Topic, we, therefore, welcome a wide range of manuscripts: empirical studies that provide new data on these intersections, theoretical articles that propose novel frameworks or integrations, qualitative research that offers in-depth insights into lived experiences in these domains, and review articles that consolidate current knowledge and identify potential avenues for future research. Through this diverse range of submissions, we aim to provide an overview of the interconnectedness of these fields for the development of education that is increasingly linked to technology, but at the same time committed to sustainability and the international challenges set out by the UN in its millennium goals.

In relation to topics related to soft skills, emotions, and interpersonal relations in education, we hope to receive manuscripts on teaching and learning soft skills, active methodologies, or emotional learning. Theoretical reflections on the role of emotions in teaching and learning, or innovations in the validation of emotions; research on the role of soft skills in the future employability of students; studies on the impact of active methodologies on learning and the use of emotions for the holistic development of students; or innovations in interpersonal education, among others, can be integrated into this issue.

When it comes to the topic involving the well-being of students in educational contexts, we hope to receive manuscripts on methods and changes in the organization of educational centers for well-being, as well as experiences in the development of healthy habits in students: research on the prevention of the use of psychoactive substances, studies on the inclusion of methods and spaces for relaxation or the control of emotions - therapies with animals, mindfulness, the practice of relaxation in school spaces, etc, or research on the usefulness of sport, art, theatre, etc. on well-being, academic engagement and other aspects related to early school leaving and even university drop-out, related to aspects of well-being.

Regarding topics linked to technology in the educational context, papers can contribute to research on virtual education, social networks, intelligent systems - AI - and robots. Research on the use of robots in the classroom, studies on the use of AI - chatbots, generative AI, and others, innovations on the use of social networks or education through platforms, theoretical reflections on the future of education in this new technological context, or proposals for new organizational models in educational institutions based on the use of technologies.

Finally, in terms of topics linked to school-society relations, papers may be associated with the school-business relationship through dual education, education for sustainability, or STEM. Research on the development and impact of dual education and employability, studies, and innovations in STEM or sustainable development in educational contexts can be part of this Research Topic.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Human interactions, Digital education, AI, Digital learning innovations, Future trends in education

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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