Abstract:

In order to help implement constantly changing educational goals and objectives, to make the education process more efficient, focusing on students, ICT is used in the educational process - educational computer programs (demonstration, exercises and control, educational games etc.). The problem of the study is based on the assumption that the impact of the use of educational computer programs on the educational outcomes of students of all ages is scientifically proven and practically justified, but in the context of recent years, when the educational process was conducted remotely, has deepened discussions about the impact of ICT on children - especially on early childhood learning effectiveness, perception, motivation, behaviour, cognitive abilities, etc. The study aims to reveal the views of pre-school pedagogues on the need and expected impact of educational computer programs used in the educational process.

There was a qualitative opinion survey of teachers conducted in September-November 2021 in focus groups with 48 pre-school teachers from Vilnius, Kaunas, Šiauliai district. The chosen method of the study allowed to gather and expand participants’ insights into the subject matter in a neutral environment. The teachers involved in the study have the same characteristics, i.e. they work in a pre-school education institution, have more than 5 years of experience in the application of computer tools in the educational process of pre-school children. The group moderator held a controlled and structured discussion according to a clear plan. In order to manage the discussion and its environment, there was another researcher involved who recorded the group conversation, ensuring that the collection of information was in accordance with the established structure and procedure for interpretation. The content analysis method was used for the analysis of the research data. The content of the discussions was transcribed in protocols. The analysis has been conducted by consistently analysing the content of a text, dividing the content under investigation into analytical units, i.e. categories, sub-categories. The latter are coded, aiming at the anonymity of the research participants.

Theoretical analysis of scientific literature has revealed the factors of the application of informational computer tools in the educational process, i.e. the activation of cognitive processes, by promoting perception, mental abilities, activating attention, promoting learning motivation, and the development of the child. The benefits of the application of ICT for the physical, mental and social development of children, the evaluation of students’ abilities, and the diversification of the content of the lessons are justified. The data of the empirical study revealed the positive effects of educational (computer) programs used in the process of pre-school education of young children, i.e. the development of thinking, the improvement of cognitive processes, the strengthening of communication and social skills, the introduction of basic values, the strengthening of relationships with adults and the development of language skills through the expansion of vocabulary. It reveals the need for educational computer programs that help to learn both native and foreign languages, strengthen language skills, teach essential principles and values (love, respect, citizenship), develop social skills, and promote communication with parents in the home environment.

Keywords:

Educational (computer) programs, ICT, pre-school education, focus group.