Stakeholders' Perceptions of Technology Integration on Early Childhood Program Outcomes
Roselle G. Aniceto | Albert P. Bayawa | Marianne M. Andrada
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study investigated the influence of technology integration on early childhood outcomes, specifically focusing on effective integration for diverse learners, the impact on language and literacy skills, the drawbacks of excessive screen time, and strategies for equitable access. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data were collected via researcher-developed questionnaires. The integrated findings demonstrated strong convergence between stakeholder experiences and statistical trends. Qualitative themes identifying the effectiveness of sensory- rich multimedia and interactive applications, such as Khan Academy Kids and Duolingo, were validated by "Strongly Agree" quantitative ratings for early vocabulary (M = 4.23) and high agreement for alphabet knowledge (M = 4.16). Conversely, a critical divergence was noted regarding complex cognitive skills; qualitative "warnings" regarding shortened attention spans and reduced social interaction provided essential context for the lower means in narrative skills (M = 3.99) and the "Neutral" quantitative stance (M = 3.36) toward providing individual devices for every child. Furthermore, the qualitative emphasis on adult mediation converged with quantitative results showing that the most supported strategy for equity was providing continuous technical support for educators (M = 4.16) and embedding technology into the curriculum (M = 4.09) rather than simple hardware distribution. The synthesized evidence suggests that technology's role in ECE is not as a standalone driver of achievement but as a mediated tool whose effectiveness is entirely dependent on a well-supported, educator-led framework. The study concludes that true digital equity and successful literacy outcomes are achieved when schools prioritize systemic, human- centered strategies over hardware access. Ultimately, the cognitive and linguistic benefits of technology can only be sustained if digital engagement is purposefully balanced with non-screen activities to mitigate the social- emotional and behavioral risks identified by stakeholders.
References:
- Abdulrahaman, M.D., Faruk, N., Oloyede, A.A., Surajudeen-Bakinde, N.T., Olawoyin, L.A., Mejabi, O.V., Imam-Fulani, Y.O., Fahm, A.O., & Azeez, A.L. (2020). Multimedia tools in the teaching and learning processes: A systematic review. Heliyon, 6(11), e05312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05312
- Alabi, M. (2024, October 30). Visual learning: The power of visual aids and multimedia. https://tinyurl.com/2xfd444c
- Alotaibi, M. (2024). Game-based learning in early childhood education: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1307881. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1307881
- Alotaibi, M. (2023). Factors influencing early childhood educators' use of digital educational aids: A sequential explanatory study. Sage Open, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231217727
- Childhope Philippines. (2021, March 15). The importance of technology in Philippine education. https://tinyurl.com/2hvhajb6
- Choi, Y., Lee, D.Y., Lee, S., Park, E.-J., Yoo, H.J., & Shin, Y. (2021). Association between screen overuse and behavioral and emotional problems in elementary school children. Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 32(4), 154-160. https://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.210015
- Clemente-Suárez, V.J., Beltrán-Velasco, A.I., Herrero-Roldán, S., Rodriguez-Besteiro, S., Martínez-Guardado, I., Martín-Rodríguez, A., & Tornero-Aguilera, J.F. (2024). Digital device usage and childhood cognitive development: Exploring effects on cognitive abilities. Children, 11(11), 1299. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111299
- Courage, M., & Troseth, G. (2016, November). Infants, toddlers and learning from screen media. In S. Rvachew (Ed.), Technology in Early Childhood Education. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. https://tinyurl.com/bdeycwd4
- Davidson, P. (2021). Impact of technology use on early childhood (Master's thesis). Northwestern College. https://tinyurl.com/3hpspuhh
- Gath, M., McNeill, B., & Gillon, G. (2023). Preschoolers' screen time and reduced opportunities for quality interaction: Associations with language development and parent-child closeness. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 5, 100140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2023.100140
- Gjelaj, M., Buza, K., Shatri, K., & Zabeli, N. (2020). Digital technologies in early childhood: Attitudes and practices of parents and teachers in Kosovo. International Journal of Instruction, 13(1), 165-184. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13111a
- Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M.A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275-285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004
- Hatzigianni, M., Stephenson, T., Harrison, L., & others. (2023). The role of digital technologies in supporting quality improvement in Australian early childhood education and care settings. International Journal of Child and Educational Psychology, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-023-00107-6
- İnanlı, S., & Metindoğan, A. (2023). Preschool-aged children's media use and its relationship to their prosocial and aggressive behavior. e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research, 10, 589-610. https://doi.org/10.30900/kafkasegt.1374809
- Liu, S., Reynolds, B.L., Thomas, N., & Soyoof, A. (2024). The use of digital technologies to develop young children's language and literacy skills: A systematic review. Sage Open, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241230850
- Llurag, S., & Kilag, O.K. (2024). Challenges in early childhood education: Insights from the Philippine context. International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence (IMJRISE), 1, 425-431. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11392885
- Muppalla, S.K., Vuppalapati, S., Pulliahgaru, A.R., & Sreenivasulu, H. (2023). Effects of excessive screen time on child development: An updated review and strategies for management. Cureus, 15(6), e40608. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40608
- Neumann, M. (2018). Using tablets and apps to enhance emergent literacy skills in young children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 42, 239-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2017.10.006
- Nurdiantami, Y., & Meriyandah Agil, H. (2020). The use of technology in early childhood education: A systematic review. Advances in Health Sciences Research, 30, 258-261.
- OpenGov Asia. (2021, June 21). Augmented reality for early education in the Philippines. https://tinyurl.com/yc2fw32a
- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2023, April 17). Empowering young children in the digital age (Starting Strong VII). OECD Publishing.
- Quesenberry, A. C., Mustian, A. L., & Clark-Bischke, C. (2016). Tuning in: Strategies for incorporating technology into social skills instruction in preschool and kindergarten. YC Young Children, 71(1), 74-80.
- Scott, F.L. (2021). Digital technology and play in early childhood. In Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. https://tinyurl.com/2um3f5u4
- Sharapan, H. (2012). From STEM to STEAM: How early childhood educators can apply Fred Rogers' approach. YC Young Children, 67(1), 36-40.
- Sharkins, K.A., Newton, A.B., Albaiz, N.E.A., & Ernest, J.M. (2016). Preschool children's exposure to media, technology, and screen time: Perspectives of caregivers from three early childcare settings. Early Childhood Education Journal, 44(5), 437-444.
- Su, J., Zhong, Y., & Chen, X. (2023). Technology education in early childhood education: A systematic review. Interactive Learning Environments. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2022.2160470
- Sulistyaningtyas, R.E., Astuti, F.P., & Yuliantoro, P. (2023). Using technology for learning in early childhood education: A review of Asian countries. Journal of Education and Teaching Learning, 5(1), 46-56. https://doi.org/10.51178/jetl.v5i1.1013
- Theodorio, A.O. (2024). Examining the support required by educators for successful technology integration in teacher professional development program. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2298607
- Tsayang, G., Batane, T., & Majuta, A. (2020). The impact of interactive Smart boards on students' learning in secondary schools in Botswana: A students' perspective. International Journal of Education and Development Using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 16(2), 22-39.
- UNESCO. (2025, February 13). What you need to know about early childhood care and education. https://www.unesco.org/en/early-childhood-education/need-know?hub=70242
- Vaiopoulou, J., Papadakis, S., Sifaki, E., Kalogiannakis, M., & Stamovlasis, D. (2022). Classification and evaluation of educational apps for early childhood: Security matters. Education and Information Technologies, 28(3), 2547-2578. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11289-w
- Ventouris, A., Panourgia, C., & Hodge, S. (2021). Teachers' perceptions of the impact of technology on children and young people's emotions and behaviours. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 2, 100081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2021.100081
- Verhoeven, L., Voeten, M., van Setten, E., & Segers, E. (2020). Computer-supported early literacy intervention effects in preschool and kindergarten: A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 30, 100325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2020.100325
- Werling, K. (2020). The effects of technology in early childhood (Master's thesis). Northwestern College. https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/education_masters/246
Full Text:
Note: Kindly Login or Register to gain access to this article.
ISSN 2984-8385 (Online)
ISSN 2984-8288 (Print)