USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORTING ECD CENTRES’ PEDAGOGY AND MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS TO PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION

Numerous studies focus on the advantages and elements of high-quality early childhood education but few to none concentrate on how technology tools are used to support their pedagogy and administrative functions. This study explored the provision of quality education through the use of technological tools of the selected ECD centres. Activity theory is employed to understand the technology tools and how they support and offer quality education at the participating centres. This study adopted a qualitative research approach and collected data through face-to-face interviews with eight participants purposively selected from four ECD centres situated in Pretoria. The data were analysed thematically. The findings reveal that participants believe that the use of technology tools will help the centre principals and teachers in their administrative duties and the teaching-learning processes. Although many of the participants lack tools and skills in technology usage. For instance, some participants said they cannot use digital applications to engage learners, maintain accounting records, or connect with parents. The study contributes to awareness and adherence to quality early childhood education by suggesting that ECD centres, principals and teachers should engage in relevant and practical training on establishing systems on the use of technology to enhance the provision of quality education. The study recommends a further empirical study on the topic of the digitalisation of administrative and teaching duties of ECD centre principals and teachers.