Teachers' perceptions of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) profoundly influence how children experience ICT-supported activities in kindergartens. In China, given that the adoption of ICT in educational settings has been part of national development goals, kindergarten teachers' perceptions of it deserve more in-depth…

This study investigates changes in teachers' digital competence and explores their experiences during a teacher education program. The study used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative assessments of digital competence with qualitative insights from interviews and reflective journals. The program significantly improved teachers' digital…

Today, technology plays a crucial role in the daily lives of young children, even in their pre-kindergarten education. In an explanatory sequential mixed methods study, I addressed the following guiding question: "What are urban pre-kindergarten directors' self-reported behaviors associated with the International Society for Technology in…

This study explores the integration of digital tools in early childhood music education in China, focusing on their impact on teaching practices, preschoolers' engagement, and parents' perceptions. The purpose of the research is to assess how digital tools influence educational outcomes and to identify effective strategies for their implementation…

This study employs a qualitative case study approach to investigate the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implementation in an exemplary kindergarten in urban China. It examines how the urban kindergarten collaborates with ICT companies to create learning environments such as Smart-pad and motion sensing rooms for children, and how…

Background/purpose: This research examines the development potential of guidance and counselling services for early childhood with special needs through a SWOT analysis and the IFAS and EFAS frameworks. The study aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats influencing the effectiveness of these services. Materials/methods: A…

Background: This study investigated how an online professional development program (OPDPs) affected preschool teachers' STEM teaching competence, what technological tools and materials they used during STEM education after the program, and what they thought about OPDPs. Purpose: This study aimed to focus on all dimensions of the effects of OPDPs…

The purpose of the current research is to examine the views of music teachers that work in primary education, regarding their training needs. With the investigation and emergence of their training needs, useful data occur for the design of effective training programs that focus on the coverage of the special training needs of these teachers. In…

This study examined how preschool teachers' perception of technology usability and associated beliefs about technology integration influence the way they integrate a technology-based, early language and literacy curriculum, RIA-Mobile. Through multiple regression and path analysis, results showed that technology usability was a key variable that…

This report presents findings from a yearlong investigation of the Apple and ConnectED initiative in 10 preschool classrooms. The goal of this work was to document and describe technology integration in the context of well-supported, child-centered early learning settings. By working with a small set of exemplary preschool programs, we present a…

The training and education of childcare directors is ever more important with the increasing demands of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS). QRIS have become the standard method in the United States for evaluating and assigning program-level quality status in early childhood education and the process is almost always managed by the…

This qualitative research aims to determine teachers' opinions about in-class web 2.0 practices after distance professional development involvement. Twelve teachers from different public schools were selected purposefully as a sample group. The Web 2.0 and Distance Training Interview Form (WDTIF) was used after implementing web 2.0 tools in the…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to empower teacher candidates to integrate technology into classroom learning. The participating teacher candidates were provided with tools -- iPads and software applications to enhance their ability to better meet the needs of all K-2 students. Teacher candidates had the opportunity to explore the range of…

With the advance of technology, additional opportunities for professional development are available through nontraditional means. In this review, we examine the effectiveness of technology-mediated language and literacy professional development (Tech PD) programs for teachers and students in early childhood settings. We review Tech PD…

The goal of this evaluation was to provide findings and recommendations to the district on the instructional technology initiative at one elementary school in connection to its stated goals of promoting the college and career readiness of students through the use of instructional technology. The superintendent, director of technology, principal,…