In-service Preschool Teachers’ Thoughts about Technology and Technology Use in Early Educational Settings

Year 2017, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 119 - 141, 17.04.2017

Nuri Kara Kursat Cagiltay

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand in-service preschool teachers’ thoughts about
technology and technology use in early educational settings. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted with 18 in-service preschool teachers. These teachers were selected from
public and private preschools. Convenient sampling was applied because teachers who
were eager to attend the study were selected. Content analysis technique was used to
analyze the data. Based on the content analysis, eleven main themes as to technology
related views and practices of in-service preschool teachers emerged. Findings of the study
indicated that the majority of in-service teachers had positive views about appropriate
technology use in preschool education. Findings also showed that early educational settings
need to be equipped with adequate technologies. Moreover, in-service preschool teachers
emphasized that they expect to be supported by the preschool curriculum and several
programs aiming at enhancing their technology use skills. Lastly, teachers were aware of
not only the advantages of technology but also the potential disadvantages. Results of the
study may help instructional designers, researchers and practitioners better integrate new
technologies into preschool education.

Keywords

preschool education, preschool teachers, technology use, children, in-service teachers

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