ICT Use in Early Childhood Education from Parents’ and Educators’ Perspectives

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) by pre-school children as perceived by parents and educators. By analyzing the perceptions of both groups, we wanted to understand how frequently and in what context ICT is used in children's daily lives and in the educational process. The results showed that educators use ICT only occasionally, typically a few times a year, while parents reported a much higher average weekly use of ICT by children. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in how parents and educators perceive the impact of ICT on children's development, particularly in the areas of knowledge, creativity, and originality, with educators rating the developmental potential of ICT higher. The most commonly used technology among preschool children was television, followed by smartphones, tablets and computers. The discussion also highlighted differences in the use of applications and emphasized the need for greater professional support in the selection and use of ICT for children's development.