Integrating Computer Technology in Early Childhood Education
Environments: Issues Raised by Early Childhood Educators

Eileen Wood
Wilfrid Laurier University
Jacqueline Specht
University of Western Ontario
Teena Willoughby
Brock University
and
Julie Mueller
Wilfrid Laurier University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the educators’ perspectives on the introduction of computer technology in the early childhood education environment. Fifty early childhood educators completed a survey and participated in focus groups. Parallels existed between the individually completed survey data and the focus group discussions. The qualitative data provided a richer understanding of the issues faced by these educators. Thematic analyses of the focus group discussions revealed that many of the educators’ concerns involved the effect of technology on the educators themselves, with secondary emphasis on how computers affected the students and parents. Although educators generally supported the integration of computers, they also identified critical concerns and limitations.

Copyright © AJER, the Faculty of Education, and the University of Alberta, 2008.
Last revised: July 23, 2008

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