Özet:

The purpose of this study was to explore the viability of tablet computers in early childhood education for activities that support children’s developmental process. A total of 44 three to six-year-old children, their parents, and teachers participated in the study. A parent background survey was distributed and data was collected about the patterns of children's technology use at home. In the first phase of the study, the children were asked to draw their self-portraits in a traditional way with paper-and-pencil. In the second phase, the children were asked to draw their self-portraits on a tablet computer with a stylus. At the end of the drawing sessions, the children were interviewed and questions were asked about their drawings. Then, children’s classroom teachers were asked to compare the quality of drawings produced on the tablet with those produced in traditional way. The study was designed and analyzed using qualitative methods and techniques, specifically content analysis. The data included a parent background survey, observations and video recordings during the drawing sessions, student interviews, and teacher focus group. The study found the drawings on tablet computers to be more creative, detailed, and colorful and drawing spaces on tablet computers were used more efficiently than a paper space. The children were interested and persisted in learning with this new technology. The stylus-interfaced technology appears to be a viable tool in early childhood education for activities that support children’s developmental process. It is suggested that training on effective and efficient use of technology can be provided for parents and teachers and the use of technology in a careful and efficient way should be increased in the classroom in order for the children to adapt to the developing technology.

Anahtar Kelimeler: