Difficulties encountered by an 8-year experienced teacher in implementing digital play based on a play-centered curriculum

This study examined the challenges faced by a teacher with eight years of experience as they implemented digital play within a play-centered curriculum in early childhood education settings. The study revealed that the teacher struggled with integrating digital play into play-based curricula and had to balance relying on her own educational experience with the need for professional support. She encountered dilemmas in creating digital play environments, managed complexities of digital safety, and faced barriers in linking digital play with home. These challenges stemmed from a combination of the teacher’s individual competencies and a lack of support systems and awareness about digital play. Specifically, experienced teachers require tailored support to bridge the gap between their existing experiences and digital play, enabling them to enhance and meaningfully expand children’s digital experiences. This study delved deeply into the difficulties experienced by teachers with significant experience in play-centered early childhood education as they implement digital play, offering practical support measures for establishing digital play in such settings.