Towards Improving Kindergarten Teachers’ Practices Regarding the Integration of ICT into Early Years Settings

• Published in: The Asia-Pacific education researcher 2018-02, Vol.27 (1), p.65-78
• Main Authors: Ihmeideh, Fathi, Al-Maadadi, Fatima
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Studies; Child Development; Early childhood education; Early Childhood Teachers; Education; Educational Policy and Politics; Educational technology; Information Technology; International and Comparative Education; Interviews; Kindergarten teachers; Learning and Instruction; Observation; Preschool Teachers; Regular Article; Sociology of Education; Teacher Attitudes; Teacher education; Teaching Methods; Technology Integration; Young Children
• ISSN: 0119-5646; 2243-7908
• DOI: 10.1007/s40299-017-0366-x

There is mounting evidence that information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to support children’s development and early learning when used effectively, appropriately, and intentionally. In an attempt to improve teachers’ performance in integrating ICT into early learning, this study was designed to examine the effect of ICT training programmes on teachers’ perceptions and practices by integrating ICT into early learning settings. It also explored the types of ICT practices that teachers implement in their classrooms. Additionally, it sought to identify the obstacles faced by teachers when they attempt to integrate ICT into their teaching practice. The study used a case study approach, comprising two sources of information: interviews and classroom observations utilised before and after the training programme. Results revealed that the ICT integration training programme had an impact on teachers’ perceptions and practices as it increased teachers’ awareness and understanding of the value and applications of ICT tools in children’s learning. Teachers’ practices have positively changed because of using ICTs and the training programme helped teachers improve the quality of their ICT practices. Finally, the training programme was beneficial in reducing the obstacles which were hindering the integration of ICT into teaching practices. The study highlights the need for more and better ICT training programmes for early childhood teachers so as to increase the successful integration of ICT within early years settings.