The Use of Information Technology in Early Childhood Education - Examining the Cultural Barriers with Theory of Information Technology Culture Conflict

The purpose of the research was to explore the readiness of the day-care industry to adopt information technology to support its activities. We conducted a survey as a part of a larger research project on the potential applications of IT in early childhood education. We wanted to know why especially early childhood education is behind other industries in utilizing information technology in its activities by exploring the impact of cultural barriers This paper uses Theory of IT culture conflict as a background for operationalizing and exploring how conflict between group values and values associated with IT can create problems in working environment. Results of a survey of 274 early childhood education professionals are presented together with future suggestions for measuring IT values.