International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

search-icon

Implementation of Technology for Pre-schoolers: A Qualitative Study

Open access
The purpose of this study is to investigate preschool teachers’ implementation of technology for preschoolers. There are a total of 8 participants selected from the study area. The methodology implemented was using interviews and observations. All of the selected participants agreed that the implementation of technology is crucial for Generation Alpha. However, the negative impact of using technology was the misuse of technology and excessive screen time. The transition of preschool education before the pandemic was visible when the usage of technology was very limited; during the pandemic, technology was fully implemented for online lessons; and during the endemic, preschool teachers implemented technology for hybrid lessons, and at specific periods. There are challenges faced by preschool teachers such as poor internet connectivity, ineffective hybrid lessons, and inadequate ICT skills. Older children faced issues when transitioning from online to physical learning due to their difficulty in adjusting to changes in the routine for physical learning. Therefore, professional training skills, providing adequate ICT tools, stable network connections as well as support from the school’s management are the ways to overcome challenges regarding the implementation of technology in preschool classrooms. Lastly, selected participants for this study suggested that individual coaching should be provided to children who faced difficulties when transitioning from online to physical learning. Thus, the researcher concluded that there is a need for preschool teachers, parents, schools, and the government to explore the preschool teachers implementation of technology as ICT technology is an important 21st-century skill in the preschool curriculum.
Abu Bakar, A., Amat, S., & Mahmud, M. (2019). Issues and Challenges of 21st Century Teaching and Learning: The Malaysian Experience. International Journal of Management and Applied Science, 5(12), 6-11. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from http://www.iraj.in/journal/journal_file/journal_pdf/14-622-15810765086-11.pdf
Alamri, W. A. (2019). Effectiveness of qualitative research methods: Interviews and diaries. International Journal of English and Cultural Studies, 2(1), 65. doi:10.11114/ijecs.v2i1.4302
Anisimova, E. S. (2020). Digital Literacy of Future Preschool Teachers. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 11(1), 230-253. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1251924.pdf
Aspers, P., & Corte, U. (2019). What is qualitative in qualitative research. Qualitative Sociology, 42(2), 139-160. doi:10.1007/s11133-019-9413-7
Batrakova, I., Ushanov, A., & Ioseliani, A. (2021). Information technology and online resources in the professional activities of preschool teachers. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. doi:10.1108/JARHE-08-2021-0310
Catalano, A. J., Torff, B., & Anderson, K. S. (2021). Transitioning to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences in access and participation among students in disadvantaged school districts. The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 38(2), 258-270. doi:10.1108/ijilt-06-2020-0111
ÇET?N, E., & ÖZDEM?R, D. D. (2021). A case study for the use of technology supported graphical organizers in preschool children’s problem solving. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 9(18), 771-794. doi:10.18009/jcer.935791
Collins. (2022). Evolutionary transition definition and meaning: Collins English dictionary. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/evolutionary-transition
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://fe.unj.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Research-Design_Qualitative-Quantitative-and-Mixed-Methods-Approaches.pdf
Crossman, A. (2020, August 27). Understanding Purposive Sampling. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/purposive-sampling-3026727
Dalim, S. F., Muhamad Azliza, N. Z., Ibrahim, N., Zulkipli, Z. A., & Mohd Yusof, M. M. (2019). Digital Storytelling for 21st Century learning: A study on pre-service teachers’ perception. Asian Journal of University Education, 15(3), 226. doi:10.24191/ajue.v15i3.7801
Dore, R. A., & Dynia, J. M. (2020). Technology and media use in preschool classrooms: Prevalence, purposes, and contexts. Frontiers in Education, 5, 1-14. doi:10.3389/feduc.2020.600305
Erbil, D. G. (2020). A review of flipped classroom and cooperative learning method within the context of Vygotsky theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1157), 1-9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01157
Eri?ti, B., & Avc?, F. (2021). Preschool education teachers’ evaluations about the problems experienced in the education process and their sources. Psycho-Educational Research Reviews, 10(3), 1-22. doi:10.52963/perr_biruni_v10.n3.01
Fox-Turnbull, W. (2019). Enhancing the learning of technology in early childhood settings. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 44(1), 76-90. doi:10.1177/1836939119841457
Fraser, R. (2020). Teachers' Perceptions of Technology Leadership that Impact Technology Use in the Classroom (Doctoral dissertation, Wilkes University, 2020) (pp. 1-208). Proquest LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from https://www.proquest.com/openview/5136ce6f9b6b0401d2e97ff8d01cf885/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Jemimah, H., & Suziyani, M. (2019). The readiness of preschool teachers in integrating 4th Industrial Revolution skills in classroom. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 8(3), 84-98. doi:10.6007/ijarped/v8-i3/6286
Johansson, A. (2020). Examining how technology is presented and understood in technology education: A pilot study in a preschool class. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 31(5), 885-900. doi:10.1007/s10798-020-09584-z
Kamaruddin, K., Che Abdullah, C., & Idris, M. N. (2021). The Integration of ICT in Teaching and Learning: A Study in Malaysian Private Preschool. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Researches, 8(5), 45-56. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from http://www.ijcar.net/assets/pdf/Vol8-No5-May2021/4.-THE-INTEGRATION-OF-ICT-IN-TEACHING-AND-LEARNING-A-STUDY-IN-MALAYSIAN-PRIVATE-PRESCHOOL.pdf
Kelvin Yew, K., & Tan, K. (2020). ESL teachers’ intention in adopting online educational technologies during COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 7(4), 387-394. doi:10.20448/journal.509.2020.74.387.394
Khor, S., & Ginsky, C. (2022, April 08). Living with endemic covid-19. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2022/04/11/living-with-endemic-covid-19
Kiger, M. E., & Varpio, L. (2020). Thematic analysis of qualitative data: Amee Guide no. 131. Medical Teacher, 42(8), 846-854. doi:10.1080/0142159x.2020.1755030
Konca, A. S., & Erden, F. T. (2021). Digital Technology (DT) usage of preschool teachers in early childhood classrooms. Journal of Education and Future, (19), 1-12. doi:10.30786/jef.627809
Konerman, R., Horwitz, J., Clancy, S., & Rietta, C. (2022). Harnessing Potential: Integrating Technology and Media in Preschool. Teaching Young Children, 5(2), 1-10. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/winter2022/technology-integration
Lee, J. (2021). The relationship between preschool teachers’ teaching experience and belief and their usage of ICT and the Internet in early childhood education. Conference on Management, Business, Innovation, Education and Social Science, 1(1), 35-49. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from https://journal.uib.ac.id/index.php/combines/article/view/4413
Lim, W., Ali, A., Malik, M. A., & Malek, N. A. (2021). The Private Preschool Teachers’ Perception of ICT Integration Usefulness in Teaching and Learning During MCO. International Conference on Education. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/1418/1/library-document-1418.pdf
McCrindle, M., & Fell, A. (2022, April 20). Understanding generation alpha. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://generationalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Understanding-Generation-Alpha-McCrindle.pdf
Ministry of Education Malaysia(MOE). (2013). Malaysia Education Blueprint, 2013- 2025: Preschool to post-secondary education. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.pmo.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Malaysia-Education-Blueprint-2013-2025.pdf.
Ministry of Education Malaysia(MOE). (2017). National Preschool Curriculum Standard Handbook (KSPK). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://gurubesar.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/06-DSKP-KSPK-ENGLISH-TRANSLATION-2017-06-NOV.pdf
Monteiro, R., Fernandes, S., & Rocha, N. (2022). What do preschool teachers and parents think about the influence of screen-time exposure on children’s development? challenges and opportunities. Education Sciences, 12(1), 52. doi:10.3390/educsci12010052
Morchid, N. (2020). The social constructivist response to educational technology. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 5(1), 263-270. doi:10.22161/ijels.51.46
Muthukumarana, H., Chalhoub, J., & Chen, S. (2022, May 07). The Evolution of Education: Past, present and the future (J. Chen, Ed.). Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://cainz.org/11210/
Ng, M., & Yunus, M. M. (2021). Perceptions and challenges to ICT use in ESL lessons among Malaysian primary teachers. Creative Education, 12(07), 1532-1557. doi:10.4236/ce.2021.127117
Pell, B. (2019). At Home with Technology: Home Educators’ Perspectives on Teaching with Technology (Master's thesis, Concordia University, 2018) (pp. 1-145). ProQuest LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/bitstream/handle/1808/28026/Pell_ku_0099D_16266_DATA_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Puspawati, I., & Juharoh, R. (2021). Motivations and challenges on the use of ICT for teaching special needs students. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Innovation 2020–Social, Humanity, and Education (ICoSIHESS 2020), 518, 239-246. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from file:///C:/Users/Chan%20Min%20Jie/Downloads/125951429.pdf
Rashid, Y., Rashid, A., Warraich, M. A., Sabir, S. S., & Waseem, A. (2019). Case study method: A step-by-step guide for Business Researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 4(3), 35-40. doi:10.1177/1609406919862424
Senin, M. A., & Halim, H. (2021). The administrator, teachers and parents involved in preschool during Movement Control Order. Southeast Asia Early Childhood Journal, 10, 10-24. doi:10.37134/saecj.vol10.sp.2.2021
Smit, B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2018). Observations in qualitative inquiry: When what you see is not what you see. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 160940691881676. doi:10.1177/1609406918816766
Technology and Young Children Interest Forum. (2008). Meaningful technology integration in early learning environments. Retrieved from https://assistedtechnology.weebly.com/uploads/3/4/1/9/3419723/onourminds.pdf
Tran, L. (2021). The Role of Technology in Facilitating Young Children's Literacy Development: A Qualitative Study with Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers (Master's thesis, California State University, 2021) (pp. 1-97). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.proquest.com/openview/0b4cd7370041cc892418a67276effdad/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Watts, R. M. (2021). A qualitative study with parents and teachers on the impact of covid-19 on Children's School Readiness: National and International Perspectives (Unpublished master's thesis, 2021). California State University
Yang, D., Oh, E., & Wang, Y. (2020). Hybrid physical education teaching and curriculum design based on a Voice Interactive Artificial Intelligence Educational Robot. Sustainability, 12(19), 8000. doi:10.3390/su12198000
Yavari, G. F. (2021). Phenomonological Study of the Experiences of Special Education Teachers Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Online Learning Environments during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Master's thesis, NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY, 2021) (pp. 1-362). ProQuest LLC. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from https://www.proquest.com/openview/2c3ae95b3e82d51ded48581a7796d625/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Zaiti Zainal, A., & Zaidah Zainuddin, S. (2020). Technology adoption in Malaysian schools: An Analysis of National ICT in education policy initiatives. Digital Education Review, (37), 172-194. doi:10.1344/der.2020.37.172-194