Interactive Digital Storybooks: A Personalized Approach to English Learning in Indonesian Primary Schools

Authors

  • Ulya Himawati Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia
  • Danang Mahendra Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama, Jepara, Indonesia
  • Laila Ngindana Zulfa Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama, Jepara, Indonesia.
  • Hamidaturrohmah Hamidaturrohmah Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama, Jepara, Indonesia.
  • Gadis Herningtyasari Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/g64b1x83

Keywords:

Interactive English , Story book, Personalized approach, English learning, Indonesian primary schools

Abstract

In response to the growing emphasis on meaningful and student-centered English instruction in Indonesian primary schools, this study investigates the effectiveness of an Interactive English Story Book in fostering young learners’ engagement, motivation, comprehension, and autonomous learning. This study explores the potential and educational benefits of an Interactive English Story Book aimed at improving engagement, motivation, comprehension, and usability for young learners. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to combine quantitative trends with qualitative insights, facilitating a thorough understanding of learning processes.  This design was selected to triangulate perceptual data from students and educators within genuine classroom environments.  The investigation included 13 fourth-grade students from a suburban elementary school, serving as a phase to assess feasibility and user feedback.  Data collection involved the use of student questionnaires, classroom observations, and interviews. The results indicated a high level of engagement, motivation, and usability, as students reacted favorably to the visual and interactive elements.  Some minor comprehension challenges were observed in story contexts that were culturally unfamiliar, and educators reported connectivity issues in rural regions. This study presents a unique approach by integrating digital storytelling, English as a Foreign Language pedagogy, and curriculum reform, validated through mixed-method classroom research.  This provides foundational evidence for expanding digital storytelling innovations within Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar framework and for future longitudinal studies in English as a Foreign Language. 

 

 

Author Biographies

  • Ulya Himawati, Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia

    Ulya Himawati is a senior lecturer at Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia, specializing in English language education, literacy development, and innovative digital pedagogy. Her research explores interactive learning media, differentiated instruction, and character-based English teaching that cultivates cultural awareness and moral values. 

     
  • Danang Mahendra, Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama, Jepara, Indonesia

    Danang Mahendra is a lecturer and Head of the Information Systems Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara, Indonesia. His expertise encompasses information systems, educational technology, and software development for learning innovation. He has led various projects in designing interactive learning platforms, mobile applications, and digital storytelling systems that integrate technological advancement with meaningful educational experiences. His research focuses on human-computer interaction, adaptive learning systems, and digital transformation in education. 

     
  • Laila Ngindana Zulfa , Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama, Jepara, Indonesia.

    Laila Ngindana Zulfa is a senior lecturer at Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia, with specialization in educational science, curriculum design, and learning assessment. Her scholarly interests include learning evaluation, teacher professional development, and the adoption of innovative pedagogical frameworks in classroom settings. She has conducted research on student engagement, learning motivation, and the practical implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesian schools.  

     
  • Hamidaturrohmah Hamidaturrohmah, Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama, Jepara, Indonesia.

    Hamidaturrohmah is a lecturer at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara, Indonesia, specializing in primary education, innovative learning media, and classroom-based research. Her academic focus includes literacy development, digital learning integration, and the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in elementary education.

     
  • Gadis Herningtyasari, Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia

    Gadis Herningtyasari is a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Wahid Hasyim Semarang, Indonesia, specializing in Islamic elementary education and instructional innovation. Her expertise includes Madrasah Ibtidaiyah teacher education, curriculum development, and the integration of digital and character-based learning in Islamic schooling.

     

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Published

2025-11-05

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Vol. 7 No. 3 (2025): Elsya : Journal of English Language Studies

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Interactive Digital Storybooks: A Personalized Approach to English Learning in Indonesian Primary Schools. (2025). Elsya : Journal of English Language Studies, 7(3), 281-297. https://doi.org/10.31849/g64b1x83