Developmentally Appropriate Technology in Early Childhood : ‘ Video Conferencing ’ – a limit case ?

This paper originates from our desire to identify a limit case of appropriate educational applications of information and communications technology (ICT). Numerous claims have been made about the potential of technology to change the traditionally accepted developmental limits on children’s learning. Claims had also been made in the UK regarding the successful application of video conferencing in pre-schools, and the Developmentally Appropriate Technology in Early Childhood (DATEC) project provided an ideal opportunity to conduct a formal trial. The paper therefore presents the findings of a pilot study of video conferencing, provided as a free-play activity for 4 year-olds in 3 early childhood settings. The work was carried out in two primary school reception classes and continues in a local authority nursery. The video conferencing was initially conducted over short distances (5 – 10 metres) using two inexpensive black and white security cameras with built in microphones that were purchased from a major do-ityourself chain store in the UK. The cameras were provided with several metres of cable terminated in SCART plugs, and these were connected across two domestic television receivers to provide a complete closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. The equipment was offered as a free choice play environment/activity. We conclude that application of this technology may be justified in terms of developing children’s awareness and understanding of the technology itself, but that no evidence was found in this first trial to suggest any developmental gains that went beyond this.