Today's technologies are rapidly impacting how children learn, play, communicate, and interact with others. Popular media and common wisdom often portray children's technology use as detrimental to their growth and wellbeing. However, in recent years, a wealth of research in Child-Computer Interaction (CCI), education, and health informatics…

This study investigated Delaware parent and teacher perceptions of developmentally appropriate technology usage for preschoolers. The study used a non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive design using a researcher-designed, web-based survey instrument. A sample of 300 teachers and 300 parents was invited to participate in the study, which…

The focus of this dissertation centers around the beliefs that early education teachers hold regarding the role digital technology plays in the learning and development of young children and how those beliefs are implemented in the classroom. Although there is some previous research on this topic not enough is known about digital technology…

The playground is a space where play is encouraged and happens most freely. Online communities can be imagined as playgrounds. In addition to face-to-face playgrounds, these "online playgrounds" mediate the embodied experience, but in a different way. In the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), to better understand play, I shift…

The purpose of this study was to address the research question "To what extent does perceived usefulness (PU) predict the willingness to adopt augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology among caregivers of children with Down syndrome (DS)?" as well as "To what extent does perceived ease of use (PEU) predict the…

Children's exposure to technology primarily depends on parental decisions concerning when and how to introduce them to technology and some parents are not aware of the dangers on cognitive and social growth. However, there are significant research gaps on the factors that influence parental decisions on introducing preschool-aged children to…

Due to the increased use of technology in people's lives, digital media literacy has become increasingly more important in young children's early experiences. When used appropriately, children discover how to use digital media in ways that enhance their learning, preparing them for the positive benefits of technology use across their lifetime. The…

Sketching is considered a helpful activity in STEM design and education. Scholars have argued for including children in designing technology as it has been found to improve product design and leads to social and cognitive benefits for children. However, little is known about children's learning and sketching experiences when participating in…

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, the education technology narrative asserted that "New tools hold great promise for teaching and learning, but only when they are used effectively, appropriately and intentionally". In this dissertation, I explored how early childhood education teachers construct their understanding of technology…

Social skills deficits are common for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research indicates there is a need to continue to find ways to support parents in enhancing social skills acquisition in their children with ASD. The present study evaluated the effects of using behavioral skills training (BST), delivered via mobile…

There are many concerns from early childhood educators regarding allowing children to use technology, pointing to the adverse effects of screen time and barriers such as lack of resources. To support advocating CT in early childhood settings using technology, this dissertation proposes solutions and resources for early childhood educators by…

This program was developed to offer caretakers information and support in their role as gatekeepers for their children and preadolescent's consumption of technology. Information is offered via psychoeducation, research, and statistics concerning the trajectory and effects of unsupervised, passive, excessive, and/or counteractive interaction of…

This dissertation-in-practice was designed to identify parental understanding of Internet addiction and technology usage among parents within a middle school in Velden, Austria. Research shows how important a parent's role is in preventing adolescent Internet addiction and the need to guide parents in helping their children find a positive balance…

Children's literacy is critical to their future academic and social success. Children who learn to read well can structure sentences and understand how to use words. A child's reading skills are important to their success in school and society. By having communication and language skills, children who read develop a broader vocabulary and score…

Technology adoption in early years education has been a consistent dilemma for teachers. Although research about the ill effects of technology use on school-going children prompts teachers to delay introducing technology in the early years, the need to prepare children for future schooling and the classroom productivity benefits prompt early years…