Selecting appropriate digital applications in four preschools in Lebanon

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study how digital applications are being selected in some preschools in Lebanon, and to what extent these selections are appropriate for learners. This qualitative research was done by conducting semi-structured interviews with preschool teachers, preschool department heads, and school directors to explore how the selection of the digital applications was carried out. An evaluation sheet was also used to evaluate the digital applications used to check their appropriateness to the preschool level. The data from the interviews and the evaluation sheet revealed that there are certain criteria used at the preschools to choose and evaluate the digital applications. The discussion of results led to the emergence of four themes for this research: selection criteria for the appropriate digital applications, learning and playing, providing professional development and recognizing the role of technology, and promoting a technological culture. Findings suggest that most training sessions that teachers participated in had focused on explaining how applications and devices work rather than how to select appropriate applications. Therefore, training for technology integration is desirable for appropriate selection.