It is finally out!! I am so thrilled!! Educational Technology Selection Series 2 “Informal Learning” has been published!! I was invited by Professor Yamauchi at the University of Tokyo to co-edit this book with him. The content organizes the trends in research and practice regarding informal learning, which have been increasing both domestically and internationally in recent years, as well as research methods and approaches, following topics such as workplace learning, workshops, and service learning. I would like to express my gratitude to the contributors who helped with this book: Professor Mima at Future University Hakodate, Professor Araki at Sanno University, Professor Kawai at Ritsumeikan University, Professor Sato at Aichi Shukutoku University, and Professor Mori at Teikyo University. Thank you very much. Additionally, for my chapter, I received cooperation in providing images from Professor Ogata at Kyushu University, Mr. Mohri (a doctoral student in the Ogata Lab) at Kyushu University, Professor Matsuura at Tokushima University, and Professor Gotoda at Kagawa University. Thank you very much. I would also like to thank Ms. Asai at Minerva Shobo for her great help with the editorial work. I am deeply moved that this book could be published thanks to everyone’s cooperation (tears).

I explain the connection with ICT, and with the spread of accessible mobile devices such as smartphones, the environment for informal learning is expanding. In terms of the relationship with ICT, I believe it is a very significant development that it has become possible to grasp learning situations (logs) outside of class. With the spread of informal learning utilizing mobile devices like smartphones that learners carry with them at all times, and the ability to analyze informal learning data by utilizing logs, we can expect research on informal learning to develop even further in the future. I am looking forward to what is to come!!

If you are interested in this book, please pick up a copy and give it a read. Thank you very much for your support. It is scheduled to be in bookstores next year.