When it comes to using technology in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings, opinions are divided among parents.
Some parents appreciate the opportunity to stay connected with their child’s daily experiences through digital updates and photos, while others prefer less frequent updates and more focus on play-based learning.
Pros and Cons
Using technology for observations in ECEC settings has both pros and cons.
Some of the pros include:
- Accuracy: technology can capture observations in an accurate and detailed way. For example, video recordings can capture behaviours and interactions that may be missed during live observations.
- Time-saving: Technology can save time for educators by enabling them to record, organise, and analyse observations more efficiently. This can free up time for other important tasks.
- Thorough Documentation: Technology can provide a comprehensive documentation of the learning journey of each child. This can be used to create more detailed and personalised reports for parents.
Some of the cons include:
- Limited Interaction: Technology can be a useful tool, but it cannot replace direct interactions and observations by educators. Over-reliance on technology may lead to a lack of personal connection with the child.
- Technical Difficulties: Technology can sometimes fail or malfunction, leading to loss of data or time spent on troubleshooting. This can be frustrating and disruptive to the observation process.
- Ethical Issues: The use of technology for observations can raise ethical issues, like privacy and confidentiality concerns. Educators must ensure that all data is stored securely and that parents have given consent for their child’s information to be recorded and shared.
Staying in the loop
Many parents see the pros of technology in childcare outweighing the cons.
One parent explains, “I appreciate receiving updates throughout the day. It’s reassuring to know that my child is safe and happy. It also helps me feel more involved in my child’s education.”
Another parent shares similar sentiments, stating that “I love receiving pictures and videos of my child’s day. It allows me to see what my child is doing and gives me the opportunity to discuss their experiences with them.”
Is it too much?
Conversely, some parents feel that frequent updates can be overwhelming and intrusive. “I don’t need constant updates and pictures of my child throughout the day,” explains one parent. “It takes away from the surprise of hearing about their day when I pick them up. I trust the ECEC provider to take care of my child’s basic needs, and I would prefer to see less focus on technology and more emphasis on play.”
Another parent adds, “I don’t want my child’s ECEC experience to revolve around technology. I want them to have the opportunity to engage in open-ended play and learn through exploration and discovery.”
Technology can enhance the accuracy of our observations, allowing us to gain a more comprehensive understanding of children's development. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and limitations carefully and ensure that technology is used in a responsible and ethical way.
Finding a balance
ECEC providers need to balance the preferences of different families when it comes to sharing updates and photos. While some parents appreciate the frequent updates, others prefer less focus on technology and more emphasis on play-based learning. Ultimately, the goal of ECEC providers should be to create a supportive and engaging environment for children to learn and grow, while also keeping parents informed and involved in their child’s education.
As one parent succinctly puts it, “I want to know that my child is safe and happy, but I also want to see how they’re learning and developing. It’s all about finding a balance.”
