Digi-Bags on the Go: Childminders’ Expectations and Experiences of a Tablet-Based Mobile Learning Environment in Family Day Care

Table 1

Core content areas of the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Pre-primary Education; tools and materials in the Digi-bags; practical examples of pedagogical ways to use them.

Core area of the Finnish curriculum	Pedagogical function of the Digi-bag	Tools and materials (digital & nondigital) in the Digi-bag
(1) Self-expression: emphasis on music, arts, handicrafts, and oral and physical expression	Use of imagination and creativity, experimenting and expressing own ideas	Tablet and software; chicken shakes; drum; finger puppets; story book; playdough
(2) Language: emphasis on developing language skills	Naming and classifying objects, practicing social, interactional, and cultural skills, self-expression, and a combination of these skills	Tablet and software; card game: emotions; nursery rhymes; games supporting storytelling and singing
(3) Me and my community: emphasis on history, society, ethics, religion	Getting to know different people, languages, and cultures in the local community, habits, playing, festivals	Tablet and software; maxi domino game; card game; book on games; activities for children
(4) I explore and act: emphasis on mathematics, ICT, and environmental education	Reading pictures, numbers, media, and text; naming objects, learning concepts, using and producing various contents, using digital documentation, exploring the world	Tablet and software; Bee-Bot robot; magnifying glass; foam shapes
(5) I grow and develop: emphasis on physical exercise, nutrition, consumer skills, health, safety	Practicing dressing, eating alone, taking care of personal hygiene and own property, moving safely inside and outside, recognizing emotions, planning, implementing, and evaluating activities together, learning common rules and trust	Tablet and software; mini bean bags; gross motor exercise cards; book: theory and tips on children’s physical exercise in ECE