Verification of the Effects of Continuous Use and Different Implementation Methods of the Video Reflection Tool “VisRef” in Childcare Practice

Author

Aoki, Hidenori and Owada, Shigeru and Ishibashi, Atsuko

Abstract

In this study, we verified the effects and changes brought about by the continuous use and different implementation methods of the video reflection tool ''VisRef'' in childcare practice. VisRef is a video reflection support tool that combines smartphones and smartwatches and promotes recording and reflection during childcare workers’ practice. We conducted two cycles of empirical experiments with five childcare workers with an average of 21.6 years of experience at a public childcare center in Japan, and performed quantitative evaluation using Technology System Readiness Index (TSRI) and Net Promoter Score (NPS), along with analysis of open-ended questionnaires and reflection workshops. The results showed that (1) childcare workers’ reflection deepened from merely observing surface behaviors to understanding children’s inner states and developmental needs, (2) dialogue within the team developed from sharing individual insights to building chain interpretations through collaborative exchanges, and (3) the method of tool utilization qualitatively changed from ''exploration'' to ''insight''. These findings suggest that continuous use of video-based reflection support tools may contribute to improving the quality of childcare.