The purpose of this PhD project is to further explore the relationship between digital technology and cognitive and socioemotional development. The educational landscape is becoming increasingly focused on the use of digital technologies. This has been further driven as a result of global pandemic and early childhood settings are no exception. This will allow researchers and practitioners to critically review the ways in which technology may influence children within ECEC settings. Two of the main aims of this research are to: (1) Evaluate the role of Technology use within Early Childhood Education Settings; (2) Explore the Role of Technology in Influencing Cognitive and Socioemotional behaviour.
This research aims to involve children, parents, practitioners, and organisations, in further exploring the myriad of factors influencing the use of technology within Early Childhood Education and Care. Through a range of experimental, observational, and survey-based approaches, this study aims to identify the influence of digital technology used within ECEC settings on the cognitive and socioemotional development of children. Outcomes of this project will suggest ways to enhance the accessibility of technologies used within ECEC settings, inform ways in which elements of the current Aistear and Siolta curriculum can be enhanced through the integration of a digital technology, and provide guidance on training for Early Childhood Education practitioners and researchers.
REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Applicants must hold a First Class honours degree or, at a minimum, a good 2.1 honours degree in a cognate discipline to the proposed research project;
- Applicants must demonstrate strong experience and skills in either quantitative or qualitative research (depending on the discipline);
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in and knowledge of the broad research area of the PhD topic;
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to co-produced research;
- Clear organizational and communication skills;
- A high level of technical academic writing skills;
- Applicants who are currently registered at another Higher Education Institution cannot be offered a scholarship until they provide evidence that they have completed their studies at the other Institution.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
- Previous research experience in the area will be an advantage;
- Evidence of Publication and/or Dissemination activity will be an advantage;
- Experience in preparing funding applications (internal, IRC, SFI, HRB}, as the successful candidate, is required to apply in at least one funding cycle to the Irish Research Council under an appropriate programme (e.g. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Programme);
- Experience in research or professional work within the research discipline area.
Supervisors: Dr Dean McDonnell, Dr Katherine Cagney, Dr Jacinta Byrne-Doran
For any informal queries relating to the project, please contact Dr Dean McDonnell on [Email Address Removed]
For other general queries relating to the scholarship, please contact Dr Brian Jackson, Head of Postgraduate Studies on [Email Address Removed]
Please note that individual projects may have additional desirable criteria requirements, therefore all candidates are strongly advised to have an initial pre-application discussion (by e-mail or via Teams/Zoom) with members of the supervisory team who will advise of additional requirements for specific projects. Candidates who progress to the second round of the application process will be advised of specific project and interview requirements at that stage.
Benefits
- Scholarship: €16,000 p.a.
- Tuition Fees
- Research Expenses: €2,000 p.a.
- Duration: Full Time, 48 months PhD
- Funding: South East Regional Development Fund Scholarship (SERD)
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- Research Methods (Quan and/or Qual);
- Writing skills;
- Proficient with technologies and Word.
Applicants whose first language is not English, MUST submit evidence of competency in English (a minimum of IELTS 6.0) See https://www.itcarlow.ie/international/non-eu-students/admissions/English-language-requirements.htm
In line with international best practice, scholarship recipients will be required to undertake two hours of academic development activities per week during academic terms.
How to Apply
E-mail completed application to [Email Address Removed] with the Project Title and Reference number in the Subject field.
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