An innovative program with ICT in early childhood program in Hong Kong

Research output: Contribution to conferencePapers

Abstract

In Hong Kong, preschool education is not included in the formal education system. However approximately 95% of children as young as 2 years of age attend either kindergartens or child care centers (Rao & Koong, 1999). Parents and early childhood educators in Hong Kong have been enthusiastic in their support of the inclusion of computer activities in programmes for young children. Chinese parents expect their young children to learn with computers, and anecdotal evidence suggests that they are eager to enroll their child in a kindergarten that provides computer activities. This has given rise to some important issues, and it is suggested here that early childhood educators and parents need to rethink the rationale underpinning the use of computers with young children. In particular, they need to consider whether computer activities are in the best interests of parents, kindergartens or young children. This paper will report a summary of the current status of computer learning environment in kindergartens using the Kindergarten Profile (2000) by Committee of Home-School Operation. There is a need for early childhood teachers and parents to understand how the children’s learning occurs and the factors that maximize the benefits of these learning experiences in such innovative program with ICT.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Citation

Leung, W. M. (2004, July). An innovative program with ICT in early childhood program in Hong Kong. Paper presented at the 24th World Congress of OMEP: One World: Many Childhoods, Melbourne, Victoria.

Keywords

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Development of Subject Knowledge
  • Technology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An innovative program with ICT in early childhood program in Hong Kong'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.