CONFLICTING OR COEXISTING? NATURE-BASED LEARNING AND DIGITAL COMPETENCIES IN EARLY YEARS EDUCATION

The activities, approaches, and classroom instructions in which technology is at the center gradually increase as a necessity of our world. Through classroom practice, it is aimed that children develop competence and skills from an early age. On the other hand, substantial research has been undertaken on nature-based approaches to children’s learning. However, integrating the benefits of nature-based learning and digital competencies has yet to be understood. The present study seeks to understand and explain this integration and relationship between nature and technology in the early years of education. For this purpose, this study used previous literature as a supporting resource. This review found evidence that the practice of integrating nature-based learning with technology is effective in children’s understanding and development. Therefore, this study can contribute to a better understanding of why and how to integrate these different approaches and should be valuable to practitioners wishing to support children with a well-rounded approach.