DESIGNING INTERACTIVE DIGITAL ENGLISH VERSION OF INDONESIANFOLKTALES FROM WEST JAVA AS A MEDIUM TO LEARN ENGLISH FOR CHILDREN

Abstract

English is a valuable skill for global communication, but current school lesson hours are insufficient for effective learning. Various methods, including digital tools, have been implemented to encourage independent study, but digitalization has caused a decline in children's awareness of local traditions. This research aims to show how cultural literature, specifically folktales, can be used as English learning materials to help children improve their English skills independently while preserving cultural aspects by using an application. The current research used the Design and Development Research model and adapted it into five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Methods of data collection for this research include direct observation, interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. AI was implemented in this research to generate images for the visual content. The sample consisted of 30 third-grade students from SD Islam Mohammad Hatta, a private elementary school. The result of this research is an English educational application that consists of 10 West Java folktales with recorded voice-overs that sync with the text and AI-generated illustrations. The text includes highlighted words for some difficult vocabulary. To improve study activity, a set of questions is included at the end of each story. The application was validated by content and language validators before being shared with the students. The results show that most students found the application interesting and useful to support their studies.