Bijak Jawi: An Interactive Multimedia Reading Tool using Phonic ‘Makhraj’ Technique for Preschool Children

Abstract

Reading ‘jawi’ script using spelling method is not very effective to capture children’s attention as this method lacks interactivity and attractiveness. Without a proper reading tool, preschool children might face difficulties in reading ‘jawi’ during their primary education level. This study proposes the integration of phonics reading technique for ‘jawi’ with interactive approach help to attract children’s interest. Known as ‘Bijak Jawi’, it implements phonics ‘makhraj’ as a ‘jawi’ reading technique for children aged 5 to 6 years old by manipulating multimedia elements in an interactive learning environment. The content of this application is specifically designed to visualize ‘jawi’ alphabets, phonics ‘makhraj’, syllables, sentences, and numbers. The usability test with the teachers and heuristic test with experts revealed that the content of the application is well blended with phonics reading technique, multimedia interactive and multimedia elements. It can be concluded that the application is interesting, user-friendly, enjoyable, valuable and supportive.