Development of Digital Competence in Pre-School Education

Module 1: Introduction to Digital Transformation and Digitalization of Education

Welcome to Module 1!

Digital technologies have successfully become an integral part of our lives regardless of age, gender, social group, location, or any other aspect. On the one hand, the current digital epoch offers a wide variety of devices for a myriad of opportunities ranging from keeping in touch with the near and dear ones to traveling, shopping, learning, and finding information on (almost) everything. But it is important to keep in mind, that the digital era has given us not only multiple opportunities but also threats and dangers that we should learn to master leading a balanced life.

Digital technologies are also omnipresent in the lives of children under 6 years. Many young children already come into contact with them regularly in their family context. In modern societies, digital skills have become as important as cultural skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic. Daycare centers are also called upon to implement child-friendly education for digital technologies, resulting in new requirements for professionals in the field of early childhood education. The MOOC aims to promote and support these competences.

In Module 1, we invite you to:

remember your own experiences with (digital) technology that have shaped your attitude.
think about “digital literacy” and what it means to be “digitally literate.”
reflect on your previous use of the digital technologies in early childhood education.
set goals, you want to achieve for yourself by participating in this MOOC.
become more aware of the digital transformation of our lives and the consequences, that come with it.