Enhancing Digital Health Education in University Preschool Programs: Cultivating Early Childhood Education Talents

Abstract

The advancement of preschool education quality is fundamentally linked to developing high-quality talents, a process intrinsically tied to professional education in higher institutions. This paper delves into integrating digital health education within preschool education frameworks, advocating for an innovative, embodied experience education methodology. This approach is rooted in a paradigm shift in cognitive science, emphasizing preschool interventions from a bio-cognitive science perspective, particularly relevant in the digital health domain. Focusing on cognitive constructivism, which considers reflection a crucial cognitive activity, we introduce a 'neuronal cognitive knowledge-monitoring-experience' model. This model is specifically tailored to map the reflective teaching processes in preschool education, with a heightened emphasis on digital health applications and literacy. The paper then outlines an optimized training pathway for university preschool education personnel, incorporating digital health competencies as a core component. Empirical results from the implementation of this optimized training model are promising. Students exhibited a 12.4% enhancement in acquiring basic professional knowledge and skills, with a significant increase of 14.2% in learning and improving digital health-related professional aspects. Furthermore, a notable improvement of 0.203 points was observed in students' reflective abilities during the practical teaching of digital health in preschool education. The statistical significance of these improvements is underscored by a p-value of less than 0.05 in the pre-and post-test evaluations. This study not only proposes a novel approach to cultivating preschool education talents but also underscores the pivotal role of digital health education in this process. It contributes to the evolution and improvement of the talent cultivation model in colleges and universities, ultimately aiming to elevate the overall quality of preschool education with a strong foundation in digital health literacy. This revision places a stronger emphasis on digital health education, tying it directly to the training and development of preschool education personnel and highlighting the impact of digital health literacy on teaching and learning outcomes.