Digital disruption in early childhood education from teachers' point of view: A qualitative research

Abstract

In the digital age, teachers must have a more favourable attitude toward information and communication technology (ICT). In the current study, the researcher used a qualitative interview to learn more about early childhood teachers (ECTs) perspectives on the use of ICT in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researcher in Palestine interviewed 63 female early childhood educators to collect data. "Thematic coding techniques" were used to analyze the interview data. Within five main themes, "ICT advantages" (8 sub-subjects), "the significance of ICT competencies" (2 sub-subjects), "promotion of the ICT training" (5 sub-themes), "the uses of ICT" (6 sub-subjects), and "challenges to using ICT", the research gathered specific information on how teachers perceived digital disruption during the Covid-19 pandemic (5 sub-subjects). The findings showed that increased promotion of ICT training that encourages ICT use among ECTs is necessary. This study adds to the body of knowledge regarding the application of ICT in the early childhood teaching process. Additionally, this study expands on empirical research findings that help report on the use of online learning in Early Childhood Education (ECE), particularly in times of crisis.