This article outlines a new method for collecting observational data in preschool classrooms using a combination of state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, including omnidirectional cameras. This audiovisual recording method capitalizes on the advantages of existing in-person and mechanical observational designs. For example, the technique presented in this paper allows researchers to seamlessly follow multiple children as they move throughout their classroom and clearly hear conversations among children in noisy settings without having to be present in the observation environment. In addition to providing a step-by-step, practical guide for how researchers can use this observational technique in their own work, we give evidence that this method will allow researchers to obtain an incredibly detailed picture of children's behaviors and activities in a fraction of the time and with fewer personnel than is typically required of existing observational designs.

中文翻译：

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学前课堂观察行为的进步：一种新的视听方法

本文概述了一种使用最先进的音频和视频设备（包括全向摄像机）在学前教室收集观察数据的新方法。这种视听记录方法利用了现有的现场和机械观察设计的优势。例如，本文介绍的技术允许研究人员在多个孩子在教室中移动时无缝地跟踪他们，并在嘈杂的环境中清楚地听到孩子之间的对话，而无需出现在观察环境中。除了为研究人员如何在自己的工作中使用这种观察技术提供分步实用指南外，我们还提供证据表明这种方法将使研究人员能够获得令人难以置信的详细儿童照片