Part 1: Theoretical Foundations

In Part 1, Theoretical Foundations, we explore the core principles and debates that underpin teaching, learning, and technology integration in K-12 classrooms. This section challenges conventional views by examining behaviorist, cognitive, and sociocultural theories not as isolated frameworks but as complementary lenses that reveal the complexity of learning. We dive into foundational questions, such as why the individual has traditionally been the primary unit of analysis and how cognitive processes might be better understood as a continuum that links mind and body. We also critically interrogate how we choose educational icons and frameworks, questioning whom we place on pedagogical pedestals and why. Part 1 further engages with ethical considerations—identifying potential “red flags” and “bright lines” in educational practices—and examines the broader societal impacts of EdTech on schooling. Grounded in critical theory, this section provides an essential backdrop to make sense of the “Monday morning” realities of teaching, offering educators practical insights and ethical tools to navigate today’s classrooms thoughtfully and effectively. (Written by Chat GPT)