This study was aimed at understanding the use of technology in early childhood school and home settings as well as its impact on students' social and language development, specifically with children aged four to seven from two schools (Kindergarten and elementary) in Kuwait. The study followed a qualitative design in which the interpretative approach was applied. Non-participant observations were conducted to gather data concerning the actual use of technology in the classrooms, they were followed by interviews with teachers and a group of parents from each classroom. The study used Vygotsky's social development theory as a framework for the analysis of data. The analysis showed limitations in the use of technology in the classroom; teachers identified a need for training to increase their knowledge about how to integrate technology into instruction. Also, the limited availability of up-to-date technology was viewed as a challenge. Teachers and parents agreed that the use of technology may foster social and language development for most students, on the condition that their use is supervised and guided by an adult. However, they also perceived that technology could have a negative impact on the development of students' social development, an area that requires further investigation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1248415 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Alsuhail, Saffa Z A J Zaid |
| Contributors | Castro, Dina C., King, Kelley, George, R. Jefferson, Gonzalez, Ricardo, Subramanium, Karthigeyan |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | viii, 145 pages, Text |
| Coverage | Kuwait |
| Rights | Public, Alsuhail, Saffa Z A J Zaid, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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