Pengembangan Aplikasi KITA (Karakter Interaktif Teman Anak) untuk Meningkatkan Bahasa Ekspresif Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun

Abstract

This study aimed to develop the KITA Application (Interactive Character for Children’s Companion) as a digital learning medium to improve the expressive language skills of children aged 5-6 years at RA Falakhiyah I Jampet, Bojonegoro. The study was motivated by the low level of children’s expressive language skills, as indicated by 68% of the students experiencing difficulties in speaking fluently, having limited vocabulary, and lacking confidence in expressing their ideas. Therefore, an interactive learning medium suitable for early childhood characteristics was needed. This research employed the Research and Development (R&D) method using the ADDIE model, which consists of the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. The resulting product was an Android-based application equipped with interactive storytelling, educational games, speaking exercises, and a voice recording feature to stimulate children’s expressive language skills. The validation results showed that the application achieved a feasibility score of 94% from the media expert and 92% from the material expert, both categorized as very feasible. The field trial results also demonstrated an improvement in children’s expressive language skills, with the average score increasing from 57 to 85 in the small-group trial and from 57.3 to 85.5 in the large-group trial. Therefore, the KITA Application is considered feasible and effective as a digital learning medium for improving the expressive language skills of children aged 5–6 years.