iPads and opportunities for teaching and learning for young children

Abstract

This research involved a collaboration with two early childhood education (ECE) teachers at an education and care centre in Hamilton, New Zealand, to gain insight into the perspectives of the teachers, a number of the young children in their care, and the parents/ caregivers of four children concerning iPad adoption and use. Interviews with the two teachers, young children and their parents, observations of teacher interactions with children using iPads, and copies of children’s work produced as part of the teaching and learning process using iPads provided evidence on the use of iPads. iPad use on its own was never the main focus rather it was integrated with and part of teachers’ daily practice and context.