Ethical Issues in Pedagogical Documentation: Representations of Children Through Digital Technology

Abstract

Documentation for pedagogical purposes is an increasingly important practice in Sweden, in Europe, and in the United States. This article focuses on the ethical aspects that need to be addressed in documentation practices in preschool. The empirical material is drawn from the blogs of Swedish preschool teachers who recorded their thoughts on pedagogical documentation while attending a university course on the subject. Today, digital technology (e. g., digital cameras, mobile phones, and tablet computers) make it easy to create visual documentation in the form of moving and still pictures. Moreover, webcams, USB sticks, and interactive whiteboards can be used to share documentation with others, mainly teachers and parents. In the communication process, the documented children are involved to different degrees; however, they are mainly positioned as subjects being looked at. In the discussion, research about children's role as participants is related to different notions of the child in pedagogy and society. Ideas for the future are also raised. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.