The introduction of a software application intended for quality work in four Swedish preschools
2024 (English) In: Education and Information Technologies: Official Journal of the IFIP technical committee on Education, ISSN 1360-2357, E-ISSN 1573-7608, Vol. 29, p. 24921-24940Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
This study explores practitioners’ beliefs and experiences of education, socialisation and care and their impact on the introduction of a software application for quality work in early childhood education. Based on field notes, audio recordings and follow-up semi-structured interviews in four Swedish preschools, it explores how teachers’ beliefs and experiences frame and are framed by the introduction of a software application by an EdTech company. The findings show that preschool teachers perceived the software as disruptive to their established beliefs and practices, despite efforts to align it with the preschool curriculum’s goals. It also highlights the challenges that practitioners faced in understanding and implementing the software, the importance of peer discussions and time for reflection. The study’s conclusions emphasise the importance of a thorough introduction, peer support and opportunities for reflection when introducing software in preschool settings. It also stresses the need to align software implementation with practitioners’ beliefs and experiences to facilitate a successful adoption. In addition, the study highlights the role of ongoing professional development in managing technological change in early childhood education.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages Springer, 2024. Vol. 29, p. 24921-24940
Keywords [en]
Beliefs, Educare, Introduction, Quality work, Software application
National Category
Pedagogy
Identifiers URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-226733 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-024-12803-y ISI: 001247271400013 Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85195859935 OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-226733 DiVA, id: diva2:1875783
Note Errata: Elm, A., Bergström, P. & Pettersson, D. Correction: The introduction of a software application intended for quality work in four Swedish preschools. Educ. Inf. Technol. 2024. DOI:10.1007/s10639-024-12884-9
2024-06-242024-06-242025-01-13 Bibliographically approved