A Scoping Review: Roles and Research Trends using Technology in Teaching Mathematics for Preschool Students

The use of technology in teaching is a critical concern in education amid technological shifts and paradigm changes. Wide advancements and integrated elements mediating the teaching styles in the education field, including the preschool level. Technological problem-solving can be a powerful tool for eliciting creativity and curiosity in teaching mathematics to preschoolers. This scoping review explores the global research landscape on the use of technology in teaching mathematics to preschool students. Through a systematic analysis of scholarly articles published between 2010 and 2025, this review identifies the roles technology plays in early mathematics education and highlights prevailing research trends. Using Arksey and O'Malley’s (2005) framework for scoping reviews, 106 studies were analysed across multiple databases, with 17 main papers studied accordingly. Results reveal four dominant roles of technology, which include: (1) Enhancing Conceptual Understanding, (2) Promoting Engagement and Motivation, (3) Supporting Differentiated Learning, and (4) Facilitating Teacher Instruction and Assessment. Major trends include increased use of digital games, virtual manipulatives, Augmented Reality (AR), and adaptive learning systems. This review underscores the importance of integrating developmentally appropriate technological tools. It suggests directions for future research in pedagogy, equity, and teacher training, especially in teaching mathematics to preschoolers.

Technology, Mathematics Education

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