Browsing by Author "Kalervo, Saana"

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse the use of ICT in early childhood education, and to further investigate how the media contents and digital equipment are used by kindergarten teachers, and to find out the goals the teachers set for media education. Earlier studies have shown that the implementation of media education in the context of early education varies, and the increased use of media devices causes concern. However, Varhaiskasvatussuunnitelman perusteet (2016), the national core curriculum for early childhood education, requires that the development of children's media skills is supported in early education. Multiliteracy and ICT skills contribute to educational equality of children. The study was carried out with a qualitative research method, and the data was gathered by semi-structured interviews. The research material was collected in April 2017 by interviewing three kindergarten teachers working in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The material was transcribed and themed based on research questions and themes highlighted in the interview. The research material was analysed with theoretical content analysis. The results indicate that, overall, the kindergarten teachers used media devices and content regularly and versatilely in their work, although the increased use of ICT caused them concern. The main goals for media education set by the teachers are to achieve the objectives of Varhaiskasvatussuunnitelman perusteet and to promote equality. Teachers who are interested in using ICT eagerly involve children and have more positive approach to media education implemented in early childhood education compared to teachers with more reserved relationship with the media. The teachers primarily selected media content on a colleague’s recommendation, and secondarily on their own or on a child's initiative. The results of this research can be used in setting themes for broader study. The results cannot be generalised to cover a wide range of study population due to qualitative research method.