Innovative Mindset Matters: Technological Interventions in Pre-Primary Classroom

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,  adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 has proposed Quality Education as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. In the Post-COVID era, the major apprehension was to add values to learners’ lives with connection and continuity. A matter of concern was that though the physical distancing did matter, social and emotional correctness was even more critical. One positive development was that the number of the technology users and technology usage in the context of India had increased exponentially. The ownership and the use of touchscreen technologies such as smartphones and tablets are rapidly increasing and the technology users are now much younger in age. Children have become techsavvy at early ages. The rapid expansion of technology has made the new generation more dependent and proficient in making the use of computers, mobile devices and other digital technologies. Nevertheless, in the context of early childhood settings, there are some influences that may differentiate the technology use behaviors of preschool children, which are generally constructed at home or school environment. This paper deals with how the preschools in the COVID-19 pandemic situation have taken hold of the foundational education of children with the innovative ideas and integrating technology into their pedagogy. The ICT applications in teaching-learning processes in preschool were also studied by the researchers. The pedagogical interventions offered by them were analyzed and the practices of technology integrating teaching learning at preschools were observed. In addition to this, the information through a questionnaire and structured interviews was also obtained from the teachers. The paper has explained the innovative technological interventions incorporated such as virtual shows and tours, smart books, speaking pens, touch and feel books etc. for stimulating the young minds. Further to this, it seeks to define the possible influences, effects and praxis of technology use in early childhood settings, and also intends to explore the current mindset of teachers about technology use in the field of early childhood education.