DZURRIYAT:
Jurnal Pendidikan Islam AnakIslam Usia Anak Dini Usia Dini e-ISSN DZURRIYAT:
Jurnal Pendidikan e-ISSN2987-128X
2987-128X
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id/index.
php/dzurriyat http://ejournal.
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php/dzurriyat p-ISSN p-ISSN3026-2909 Volume 3 Nomor 2 3September Volume Nomor 2 September DOI: https://doi.
org/10.
61104/dz.
Integrating Technology in Early Childhood Education: Opportunities and Challenges in Thailand Miss Fatihah Saman Walisongo State Islamic University of Semarang.
Thailand Email Korrespondensi: 24031280010@student.
Article received: 30 Mei 2025.
Review process: 18 Juni 2025 Article Accepted: 25 Agustus 2015.
Article published: 16 September 2025
ABSTRACT
Early childhood education (ECE) plays a critical role in shaping childrenAos cognitive, social, and emotional development in the digital era.
This study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology into early childhood education in Thailand by examining national policies, teacher preparedness, and community Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, this research applies a systematic literature review of policy frameworks.
UNESCO reports, and high-impact scholarly articles published within the last decade .
5Ae2.
The findings reveal that technology integration provides significant opportunities to enhance learning quality, personalize instruction, and expand access to education.
However, challenges persist, including infrastructure disparities, limited digital literacy among teachers, insufficient culturally relevant content, and low parental involvement.
The study highlights the need for collaborative strategies among policymakers, educators, parents, and technology developers to build an inclusive, sustainable, and child-centered learning ecosystem.
Keywords: Early childhood education, technology integration, thailand, digital literacy ABSTRAK Pendidikan anak usia dini (PAUD) memegang peranan penting dalam membentuk fondasi perkembangan kognitif, sosial, dan emosional anak di era digital.
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peluang dan tantangan integrasi teknologi dalam pendidikan anak usia dini di Thailand dengan meninjau kebijakan nasional, kesiapan pendidik, dan keterlibatan masyarakat.
Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik systematic literature review terhadap dokumen kebijakan, laporan UNESCO, dan artikel ilmiah bereputasi yang diterbitkan dalam sepuluh tahun terakhir .
5Ae2.
Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa integrasi teknologi memberikan peluang besar dalam meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran, personalisasi materi, dan perluasan akses pendidikan, namun menghadapi berbagai tantangan seperti kesenjangan infrastruktur, rendahnya literasi digital guru, keterbatasan konten yang relevan secara budaya, dan minimnya keterlibatan orang tua.
Penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya kolaborasi antara pemerintah, pendidik, orang tua, dan pengembang teknologi dalam menciptakan ekosistem pendidikan yang inklusif, berkelanjutan, dan berorientasi pada kesejahteraan anak.
Kata Kunci: Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini.
Integrasi Teknologi.
Thailand.
Literasi Digital Lisensi: Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.
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Miss Fatihah Saman DZURRIYAT: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Anak Usia Dini http://ejournal.
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php/dzurriyat Volume 3 Nomor 2 September 2025
e-ISSN 2987-128X
p-ISSN 3026-2909
INTRODUCTION
Early childhood education (ECE) plays a pivotal role in shaping children's cognitive, social, and emotional foundations while preparing them to face the challenges of the 21st century.
In todayAos digital era, globalization and rapid technological advancements have driven a paradigm shift in early education from traditional teaching models to more interactive, technology-driven approaches.
According to UNESCO .
, investment in ECE significantly enhances childrenAos literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for their longterm success.
Within this context, integrating technology into early learning environments has become an important strategy to provide engaging, relevant, and child-centered learning experiences that meet the evolving demands of Thailand, as one of the leading countries in Southeast Asia, has demonstrated significant progress in developing policies to enhance early childhood education through technological integration.
The Thai governmentAos Early Childhood Development Policy Framework emphasizes the use of digital tools as part of its broader human resource development agenda to foster globally competitive learners.
A study by Pongsophon and Jarupathirun .
highlights that embedding technology within early childhood curricula in Thailand improves childrenAos engagement, broadens access to learning resources, and enriches their educational experiences.
However, these policies also present new challenges, particularly regarding teachersAo readiness, institutional capacity, and parentsAo roles in supporting the proper use of technology in pedagogical contexts.
Integrating technology into ECE brings both opportunities and complex On the one hand, technology enhances learning quality through interactive methods, personalized content, and increased access to global digital According to Zhang et al.
, the use of artificial intelligence (AI)based learning applications and adaptive platforms allows teachers to better identify childrenAos developmental needs and provide customized learning On the other hand, concerns arise regarding ethical and practical issues, such as unequal access between urban and rural areas, insufficient infrastructure, and the potential decline in childrenAos social interactions caused by overreliance on digital devices.
One of the key barriers to effective implementation of technology in early childhood education in Thailand is related to teacher competencies and curriculum Research shows that many educators still face challenges in digital literacy, limited access to professional training, and inadequate institutional support (Chaiyasoonthorn & Suksa-ngiam, 2.
This disparity often results in unequal implementation of technology across urban and rural schools, which in turn affects the consistency and quality of learning outcomes.
Therefore, there is a need for continuous professional development programs to enhance teachersAo digital competencies and ensure that technology integration is executed wisely, inclusively, and sustainably within the early learning context.
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php/dzurriyat Volume 3 Nomor 2 September 2025 e-ISSN 2987-128X p-ISSN 3026-2909 In addition, family and community involvement play an essential role in the successful integration of technology in early childhood education.
ParentsAo support and home learning environments significantly influence childrenAos ability to effectively benefit from digital tools.
A study by Kim and Lee .
revealed that parental involvement in digital learning positively impacts childrenAos literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development.
Hence.
ThailandAos educational policy must embrace a collaborative framework that engages teachers, parents, and local communities in building a supportive ecosystem for technology-based education, ensuring that childrenAos holistic well-being remains the top priority.
Based on this background, the present study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology into early childhood education in Thailand, focusing on national policy, teacher preparedness, and community engagement in supporting digital learning.
By doing so, this research seeks to provide insights into developing an inclusive, effective, and sustainable model of technology-driven early education that can serve as a reference for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders both regionally and globally.
METHOD
This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology into early childhood education in Thailand.
Data were collected through a comprehensive review of relevant national policy documents, recent empirical studies, and international research published in high-impact journals indexed by Scopus and Web of Science.
To ensure validity and reliability, the study applied a systematic literature review technique focusing on publications from the last ten years .
5Ae2.
to capture the most updated perspectives.
Sources included government frameworks.
UNESCO reports, and scholarly articles on early childhood education and digital The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, allowing the researchers to identify recurring patterns, categorize emerging themes, and synthesize findings related to teacher readiness, parental involvement, curriculum quality, and infrastructure support.
This methodological approach provides a holistic understanding of how Thailand integrates technology into early childhood education while considering socio-cultural, pedagogical, and policy dimensions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Opportunities of Technology Integration in Early Childhood Education The integration of technology into early childhood education in Thailand provides significant opportunities for enhancing the quality of learning and Digital tools enable teachers to deliver more engaging and personalized educational experiences, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social development among young learners.
According to UNESCO .
, digital learning platforms promote inclusivity by providing flexible access to high-quality resources, ensuring that all children, regardless of location, have equal opportunities to develop foundational skills.
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php/dzurriyat Volume 3 Nomor 2 September 2025 e-ISSN 2987-128X p-ISSN 3026-2909 Thailand has implemented the Early Childhood Development Policy Framework, which highlights the importance of leveraging technology for inclusive learning experiences.
Recent studies demonstrate that interactive applications, educational games, and multimedia tools enhance childrenAos motivation and participation in classroom activities (Pongsophon & Jarupathirun, 2.
Through digital platforms, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving skills aligned with 21st-century educational Another key opportunity lies in the capacity of technology to support differentiated learning.
Digital platforms equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and adaptive algorithms allow teachers to customize learning paths based on individual student needs.
Research by Zhang et al.
shows that adaptive learning systems improve academic outcomes by identifying developmental gaps and tailoring instruction accordingly, particularly in literacy and numeracy skills, which are crucial in early childhood education.
Technology also facilitates broader access to educational resources for children in rural and underserved communities.
E-learning platforms provide alternative pathways to compensate for the lack of physical learning facilities, bridging geographical barriers.
According to Ng and Lim .
, mobile-based learning initiatives have significantly increased early childhood education participation rates in Southeast Asia, especially in low-income regions.
Furthermore, integrating technology improves teachersAo instructional strategies by offering access to global teaching resources and real-time data For instance, interactive dashboards allow educators to monitor student progress continuously and adjust lesson plans effectively (Kim & Lee, 2.
Such innovations foster evidence-based teaching approaches, improving classroom efficiency and learning outcomes.
Collaboration between schools, parents, and policymakers has also become more seamless through digital integration.
ThailandAos Ministry of Education has implemented digital communication platforms that strengthen teacher-parent engagement and promote collaborative decision-making in early education (Chaiyasoonthorn & Suksa-ngiam, 2.
These initiatives enhance the alignment between home and school environments, improving learning continuity.
The emergence of EdTech startups in Thailand has further accelerated the innovation of early childhood learning solutions.
Private sector contributions complement government-led initiatives by developing educational applications designed specifically for young learners.
According to Lee and Park .
, partnerships between policymakers and technology developers create sustainable ecosystems that enhance the overall quality of education.
Lastly.
ThailandAos participation in regional collaborations has strengthened its technological capacity in early childhood education.
Programs facilitated by ASEAN and UNICEF focus on advancing teacher training, digital literacy, and equitable access to technology for early learners.
These initiatives contribute to Lisensi: Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.
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php/dzurriyat Volume 3 Nomor 2 September 2025 e-ISSN 2987-128X p-ISSN 3026-2909 creating a robust infrastructure for integrating technology while addressing cultural and linguistic diversity within the country.
Challenges in Implementing Technology in Early Childhood Education Despite the numerous opportunities.
Thailand faces significant challenges in integrating technology into early childhood education.
One of the most pressing issues involves unequal access to technological infrastructure across urban and rural areas.
Research by UNESCO .
highlights that disparities in internet connectivity and device availability remain a barrier to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all children.
Teacher preparedness is another critical challenge.
Many early childhood educators in Thailand lack sufficient digital literacy and confidence in adopting new teaching technologies.
A study conducted by Chaiyasoonthorn and Suksangiam .
revealed that 46% of preschool teachers reported difficulties in using digital tools effectively, which limits the potential benefits of technology-enhanced learning environments.
The high cost of technological infrastructure also poses challenges for early childhood centers, especially those in remote communities.
Budget constraints limit schools' ability to provide adequate devices, reliable internet access, and ongoing technical support.
According to Nguyen et al.
, sustainable investment models are needed to address funding gaps and ensure the equitable distribution of technological resources.
Another barrier lies in the need for culturally responsive digital content.
Many e-learning platforms are developed in English or based on Western pedagogical frameworks, which may not align with ThailandAos linguistic and cultural contexts.
Research by Li and Chen .
stresses the importance of designing localized digital materials to make content more accessible and meaningful for young learners.
Concerns about childrenAos socio-emotional development have also been raised regarding excessive screen time.
Overexposure to digital devices during early childhood can potentially reduce face-to-face interactions, affect attention spans, and limit opportunities for developing social-emotional skills.
According to American Academy of Pediatrics .
, digital learning should be balanced with physical activities, play-based learning, and interpersonal interactions to promote holistic development.
Parental involvement is another critical challenge in ThailandAos implementation of digital learning.
Research by Kim and Lee .
found that parentsAo limited understanding of educational technologies often results in low engagement levels, especially in rural communities.
Strengthening parental literacy in supporting childrenAos digital learning remains essential for maximizing technologyAos educational benefits.
Furthermore, privacy and data security pose growing concerns in early childhood education.
The increased use of online platforms requires the collection of sensitive data about children, which raises ethical issues around protection and Lisensi: Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.
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php/dzurriyat Volume 3 Nomor 2 September 2025 e-ISSN 2987-128X p-ISSN 3026-2909 According to Zhang et al.
, strong data governance frameworks are necessary to safeguard childrenAos information and ensure compliance with international standards.
Lastly, the lack of continuous professional development for educators contributes to implementation gaps.
Training programs are often short-term and insufficient to address the evolving nature of digital education.
Research by Nguyen and Hoang .
suggests that ongoing teacher training, mentoring, and peer collaboration are essential to improving digital competency among early childhood educators.
Strategic Approaches for Effective Technology Integration To overcome these challenges.
Thailand must adopt a comprehensive strategy that promotes inclusive and sustainable technology integration in early childhood education.
Policy frameworks should prioritize equitable access to infrastructure, digital resources, and teacher training to ensure no child is left According to UNESCO .
, government-led investments in broadband connectivity and educational technology must focus on underserved communities to close the digital divide.
Strengthening teacher capacity remains central to improving technology ThailandAos Ministry of Education has launched professional development initiatives focusing on digital pedagogy and innovative teaching According to Pongsophon and Jarupathirun .
, hands-on training and coaching programs significantly improve teachersAo confidence in integrating educational technologies effectively.
Collaboration between the government, private sector, and international organizations is critical to ensuring sustainable implementation.
Partnerships with EdTech companies enable the development of localized applications and affordable learning tools, aligning technology with ThailandAos educational goals.
Lee and Park .
emphasize that multi-stakeholder collaboration promotes resource optimization and accelerates innovation.
Parental engagement strategies must also be strengthened to support childrenAos holistic development.
Research by Kim and Lee .
demonstrates that active parental involvement improves childrenAos learning outcomes in digital Initiatives such as community-based digital literacy workshops and parent-teacher partnerships can enhance understanding and encourage positive learning habits at home.
Additionally, designing culturally relevant digital content is essential to maximize technologyAos impact.
Localizing materials based on ThailandAos linguistic diversity and cultural identity enhances childrenAos comprehension and motivation.
Li and Chen .
suggest that integrating traditional Thai values into e-learning content ensures a balance between technological innovation and cultural Monitoring and evaluation systems must be established to track the effectiveness of technology integration across schools.
Real-time analytics and Lisensi: Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.
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php/dzurriyat Volume 3 Nomor 2 September 2025 e-ISSN 2987-128X p-ISSN 3026-2909 standardized assessment frameworks enable policymakers and educators to identify gaps, measure learning outcomes, and make evidence-based improvements (Zhang et al.
, 2.
This data-driven approach supports accountability and fosters adaptive educational practices.
Thailand can also benefit from regional collaborations and knowledgesharing platforms to accelerate innovation in early education.
Participation in ASEAN-led initiatives enables the exchange of best practices and fosters collective action in addressing regional challenges related to digital learning (Ng & Lim.
These partnerships strengthen capacity-building efforts for educators and expand access to advanced learning technologies.
Finally, future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of technology integration on childrenAos cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Empirical studies assessing learning outcomes, parental engagement, and teacher readiness will guide evidence-based policymaking.
By aligning technological integration strategies with child-centered pedagogical goals.
Thailand can establish a sustainable and inclusive early childhood education ecosystem.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights that integrating technology into early childhood education in Thailand presents both significant opportunities and complex Digital tools enhance childrenAos engagement, support personalized learning, and provide broader access to educational resources, contributing to improved learning outcomes and fostering 21st-century skills.
However, disparities in infrastructure, teacher readiness, parental involvement, and the availability of culturally relevant content remain critical barriers to effective Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative strategy involving policymakers, educators, parents, and technology developers to create inclusive, sustainable, and child-centered learning ecosystems.
By adopting culturally responsive practices, investing in professional development, and ensuring equitable access to digital resources.
Thailand can maximize the potential of technology while safeguarding childrenAos holistic growth and well-being.
These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators globally, serving as a reference for developing effective models of technology integration in early childhood education.
REFERENCES