Maximizing Technology Use in Early Childhood Settings: Leadership Strategies

Abstract

Effectively use of technologies in early childhood centres has influential impact on learning and teaching. Leaders of early childhood centres have crucial roles to promote the good use of learning technologies . In Hong Kong, with millions of dollars subsidies from the SAR government to early childhood centres for improving early childhood quality under the Voucher scheme since 2007. Many more early childhood leaders equip their centres with different kinds of new technologies. However, the usage rate of technologies in early childhood classrooms is relatively low compare with other teaching and learning facilities. In this study, I aim to investigate the leadership strategies applied by leaders to promote technology use in early childhood centres. Case study was applied to investigate the leadership strategies, in-depth interview were conducted with principal and teachers in a well-resourced digitized kindergarten in Hong Kong. Thematic analysis was applied to draw the findings. Major findings on leadership strategies include: providing authentic support, encouraging active trial, leading practical practice and forming pro-digital culture in organization.