The Role of Multimedia in Concept Learning from the Parents’ Perspective

Abstract

During the period of the pandemic in particular, children who are not able to leave their homes have been spending more time using multimedia devices. This research was carried out in order to determine the role of multimedia in preschool children's concept learning, as expressed by their parents. For this purpose, the research was designed qualitatively, and the case study model was used. The study's working group consisted of 21 parents living in seven different geographical regions of Turkey. The parents were determined using the maximum variation sampling method. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool in the research. The content analysis technique was used to analyze the data obtained in the research. As a result of the research, it was determined that the multimedia devices that children spent most time on were televisions, smartphones and tablets. Children preferred to use multimedia mostly for fun and games. The vast majority of parents thought that adult supervision was needed when children spent time using multimedia devices. In the research, the benefit of multimedia use that the parents most emphasized was concept learning. According to the parents, their children learned many basic concepts through accessing multimedia content. Parents also expressed their opinion that the multimedia content and apps contributing most to the children's concept learning were animated cartoons, YouTube and digital games. As a result of the research, it can be said that technological devices that offer children multimedia content positively affect children’s learning of basic concepts.

Keywords

• multimedia
• early childhood
• parent
• concept learning
• technological devices

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