Early Childhood Teachers’ Perceptions and Use of Digital Technology in the United Arab Emirates

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: AI and Technology Integration in K-12 Education

Abstract

How early childhood education (ECE) teachers use technology in their instruction—particularly in non-Western contexts—is a timely yet understudied topic. We explore how teacher perceptions and various contextual factors shaped technology use for 315 ECE teachers surveyed in the United Arab Emirates. Findings revealed that technology use by the teachers was high—more than half of class time—regardless of children’s age. Teachers’ perceived utility of technology and prior technology training significantly predicted greater use, while more experience teaching one’s current grade level predicted less use. The results highlight factors driving technology integration in early childhood classrooms. We discuss implications for professional development and future research on how ubiquitous classroom technology may influence children’s developmental and learning outcomes.

Authors

• Charles Raffaele, New York University

• Basel Hussein, New York University

• Hala Sukkar, New York University

• Khadija Alhashmi, New York University

• Antje von Suchodoletz, New York University - Abu Dhabi

• Bruce D. Homer, Graduate Center - CUNY

• Jan L. Plass, New York University