Students’ perception of the value of emerging 3d technology and creativity for their professional future in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Learning based on experiences developing professional skills is fundamental in teacher training, particularly in Early Childhood Education. This study reveals the perception of teachers in their initial training on the use of 3D technology and the development of creativity. This work is the result of the training actions undertaken by the Dream Makers Project. It is an international Key Action 2 project of Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices. Dream Makers is a research-action project based on three basic elements: multiple intelligences, creativity and 3D emerging technology. METHOD. The participants were 101 students (N=101) who were given three Likert tipe scales to assess the degree of satisfaction and perception of different aspects of their training. The variables studied were motivation, relevance, clarity and realism/practicality of the contents of the learning programmme. RESULTS. The results obtained showed a high interest in 3D emerging technology. 96% of the participants perceived the contents of the programme as highly relevant to their professional future. 85.5% found the topic very real and practical. The motivation most selected by the participants was to acquire new skills, with 74% of the students who chose this option. DISCUSSION. The results predict highly positive expectations for the use and implementation of 3D technology in Early Childhood Education classrooms in the not too distant future.