THE ETHICAL ASPECTS OF ICT USAGE IN INTERCOMMUNION WITH PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

ABSTRACT

In today's world, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become much more relevant because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences of quarantine restrictions have sharpened the problems connected with the education and upbringing of preschoolers with special educational needs (SEN), who needed to establish an effective intercommunion of parents with specialists through ICT. The authors' aim was to clarify the theoretical basis of the research problem and to determine the ethical aspects of the ICT usage in communication with parents of preschoolers with SEN. Based on the methods of analysis, synthesis and generalization, the authors presented a theoretical review of the feasibility of ICT in the process of working with preschoolers, outlined the specifics for children with SEN, and established the role of ICT in cooperation of teachers with parents of preschoolers in preschool educational institutions (PEI). Empirical material was collected using the method of written survey (questionnaire) of parents. The research group consisted of parents of preschoolers with SEN (n=124) from four PEIs in Ukraine. The results testified to the existing problems and difficulties that parents face in the process of communication through ICT. The key and additional ethical aspects of the use of ICT in communication between teachers and parents are identified, which not only raises knowledge about information content, but also produces a friendly attitude between all participants, aimed at compliance with socio-ethical norms of behaviour, respect and mutual trust.