Implementation of Digital Portfolios in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Curricula, influenced by the digitalization, set requirements for early childhood education (ECE) settings to implement digital practices. However, ECE teachers are struggling to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) and child-centered pedagogy, such as digital portfolios, successfully into practice. Previous research efforts have focused on analyzing the barriers of digital technology implementation. This study, in turn, takes a broader view and addresses the complex task of implementing digital practices into education by analyzing the factors that foster and challenge the implementation process. The results show that human related factors are considered the most fostering, and resources the most challenging factors in the implementation process of the digital portfolio practice. Challenges with resources may negatively affect teachers’ attitudes towards the new digital practice and technology in general. Results of this study have both practical and theoretical implications to how implementation process of digital practices can be supported and researched.