This paper provides a reflective overview of the eight papers collected in this special issue of "Educational, Technology and Society" that is based on ICALT-2003. We provide a very brief description of the conference and then discuss the eight papers in the context of a focus on learning and a focus on systems. In the conclusion, we offer our thoughts on the notion of borderless research and development, the inseparability of the different aspects of learning and instruction, and likely trends and innovations.