The tablet computer as a mediational means in a preschool art activity

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect on well-established preschool activities, such as art, when such activities are carried out using digital tools such as tablets. The study examines in particular the effect of tablets on children's cutting and sticking activities.

The study shows that the child uses the tablet as a visual measuring instrument to find out about the physique of the insect through a picture of the chosen insect when developing her own insect. For example, she uses it to "measure" the length of the insect's legs when making the legs for her own insect. The tablet is also used as a reference book to find inspiration for the child's own insect. The picture on the tablet provides a two-dimensional digital model that is converted into a tangible artefact. The authors suggest that the child's agency is limited by the fact that the teacher takes control with technology in the beginning of the activity, and that the child and the teacher have difficulties being present in the activity at the same time. While the child is present in the process, the teacher has moved on to the next step of the process, which, according to the authors, can come from traditional ideals of what preschool art activities include.

The authors stress the importance of distinguishing between hardware (tablet) and software (apps), and not using technology as an overall concept. According to the authors, the concept of technology covers different functions, opportunities and limitations in hardware and software, respectively.

The data was collected over a four-month period and consists of video observations of five teachers and 33 children aged 1-5 years as well as interviews and informal talks with the five teachers. The study analysed one art activity (planned by a teacher) in which a teacher and a 4-year-old girl carried out a cutting and sticking activity using the My First Bug App biology app. The activity lasted ten minutes, and the girl was to cut out and stick an insect that she had selected from among 37 different insects in the app.

Nilsen, M., Lundin, M., Wallerstedt, C., & Pramling, N. (2016). The tablet computer as a mediational means in a preschool art activity I: Garvis, S., & Lemon, N. (red.). Understanding digital technologies and young children: An international perspective, 139–154. London: Routledge.