By Michael Hilkemeijer
From Research to Practice: Strengthening Digital Technology Use in Early Childhood Education
Access to digital devices is only the starting point. What truly determines how technology is used in early childhood education are the factors that shape teachers’ day-to-day practice. In their study Factors Influencing Digital Technology Use in Early Childhood Education, Blackwell, Lauricella, and Wartella (2014) analysed responses from more than 1,200 early childhood educators. Their findings reveal not only what influences use, but also why targeted support is essential.
By unpacking the study’s findings, we can see what matters most — and how these insights create opportunities for professional growth and practical support.
Insights from the Research
Teacher Attitudes
The study found that teacher attitudes toward the value of technology were the strongest driver of whether it was used. When teachers believed digital tools could improve children’s learning, they were far more likely to integrate them meaningfully. This tells us that shaping attitudes isn’t about persuasion — it’s about giving teachers evidence of practice. Seeing digital storytelling support oral language or programmable toys build problem-solving changes perceptions. When teachers experience this first-hand, attitudes shift from hesitation to confidence.
👉 This is why access to examples, modelling, and peer-shared lesson plans matters. They provide the proof teachers need to see value.
Confidence
Confidence influenced both attitudes and use. Teachers who felt able to use technology in developmentally appropriate ways not only used it more often, but also thought more positively about its value. The insight here is that confidence doesn’t grow from technical “button-pressing” training alone. It comes from professional learning that integrates pedagogy, reflection, and practice. When educators feel they can align ICT with play-based learning, emergent literacy, or numeracy, their confidence flourishes.
👉 This underscores the need for ongoing professional development opportunities where confidence can grow step by step, supported by reflection and peer encouragement.
Support and Policy
The presence of school support and a clear technology policy made a measurable difference. Teachers who felt supported with resources, training, and vision had greater confidence and better attitudes. This shows us that integration thrives in a culture where technology is seen as purposeful, not optional. Where vision is missing, teachers often feel isolated.
👉 In practice, teachers need access to a supportive professional culture that provides vision, answers, and encouragement — not just devices.
Socioeconomic Context
Teachers serving lower-income communities often had more positive attitudes about using technology, recognising its potential to reduce inequities. This finding highlights technology’s role as a bridge for access and opportunity. The insight here is that teachers are motivated to use technology when they see it closing gaps that exist outside the classroom.
👉 To act on this motivation, teachers need strategies and adaptable resources that make technology integration practical and equitable across contexts.
Experience Levels
One of the most intriguing findings was that more experienced teachers often reported less positive attitudes — yet they used technology more frequently than newer teachers. This reveals a tension: seasoned teachers bring deep pedagogical knowledge but may hesitate to embrace new tools, while newer teachers may feel personally comfortable with technology but less certain about how to use it with young children.
👉 The opportunity here lies in cross-generational learning. When experienced educators share insights and newer teachers share fresh energy, the whole profession benefits. What’s needed is a space where both voices can meet, exchange, and grow.
The Research Conclusion
Blackwell, Lauricella, and Wartella (2014) concluded that without targeted support, the tension between attitudes, confidence, and practice will remain. Schools can spend millions on devices, but unless teachers are equipped with the vision, confidence, and community support to use them meaningfully, the potential for impact is lost.
This is a crucial point for early childhood educators today: support must go beyond access. It must connect evidence, practice, confidence, and collaboration.
Moving from Research to Action
The ICT in Education Teacher Academy was built to address these very factors. What the research identifies as barriers, the membership turns into opportunities:
| Research Factor | .Research Insight | How the Membership Responds |
| Teacher Attitudes | Positive attitudes follow when teachers see ICT’s value in practice | Lesson plans, case studies, and community stories provide practical examples that reshape beliefs. |
| Confidence | Confidence grows from pedagogical, not just technical, learning. | The Success Path, workbook, and tutorials guide teachers step by step in developmentally appropriate ICT use. |
| Support & Policy | Teachers thrive where vision and support exist. | The Academy provides a supportive professional community, expert guidance, and the Wisdom Tool for instant answers. |
| Socioeconomic Context | Teachers see ICT as a bridge for equity. | Adaptable lesson plans linked to EYLF outcomes help educators tailor ICT use to their local contexts. |
| Experience Levels | Experienced and newer teachers bring different strengths. | The exclusive community enables cross-generational exchange of wisdom, fresh ideas, and shared resources. |
Final Reflection
The research is clear: attitudes, confidence, support, context, and experience are what shape digital technology use in early childhood education. The ICT in Education Teacher Academy exists to meet those needs — not by offering devices, but by providing professional development, community, and resources that directly address the barriers identified in the research.
If you want to move from simply knowing the factors to actively overcoming them, the Academy is your next step.
👉 Start for $20 AUD per month, trial the membership, and when ready, switch to the annual plan to save instantly and commit to your transformation.