RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AMONG ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES: AI AS A CASE STUDY

This study investigated the relationship between technology and early childhood education among undergraduates of Adekunle Ajasin University, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as a case study. The research aimed to assess students’ awareness of AI tools, examine the extent of AI adoption in early childhood education (ECE), identify perceived benefits, and explore associated challenges. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 110 undergraduates, out of which 102 were valid and used for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were applied to summarize responses, while chi-square tests were used to test the stated hypotheses. The findings revealed a high level of awareness of AI tools among students, with many expressing confidences in their ability to learn and apply AI in educational contexts. However, actual adoption in practical ECE settings was limited, with few students having received formal training or exposure to AIpowered educational tools. Respondents highlighted several advantages of AI, including enhanced engagement, personalized learning, and reduced teacher workload. Major challenges identified included the high cost of implementation, lack of teacher training, data privacy concerns, and unclear institutional policies. Hypothesis testing showed a significant difference in AI awareness and adoption based on gender, while no significant differences were observed based on age or academic level. The study concludes that although awareness of AI in early childhood education is promising, there is a pressing need for improved institutional support, curriculum integration, and capacity building to ensure effective AI utilization in the training of future educators.