The Utilization of Gadgets in Arabic Language Learning for Early Childhood through a Fun-Based Learning Approach
Main Article Content
Fadlan Masykura Setiadi
Khairunnisa Khairunnisa
This study explores how gadgets can enhance Arabic learning through a fun-based learning approach at TK Az-Zalfa Mandailing Natal. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews with teachers and the school principal, and documentation of classroom activities, involving three teachers, one principal, and nine children aged 5–6 years. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, thematic categorization, and triangulation. The findings showed that the utilization of gadgets has been effectively integrated into learning sessions using applications such as Marbel Bahasa Arab, Memrise, and YouTube Kids, which supported vocabulary acquisition, listening practice, and verbal participation while fostering contextualized and enjoyable learning experiences. Other results also showed high attention focus (M = 4.2), fairly high verbal participation (M = 3.8), very high play enthusiasm (M= 4.6), and moderate independence in gadget use (M = 3.5). This study contributes to the literature on foreign language learning in early childhood by emphasizing the potential of fun-based digital strategies in Islamic education, highlighting the critical role of teachers as facilitators in balancing technology use with developmental needs, and providing practical implications for educators and curriculum developers in designing innovative, adaptive, and inclusive Arabic learning models.
Adhimah, S., & Hasan, L. M. U. (2024). Transformasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab melalui Gadget oleh Komunitas Guru Anak Usia Dini. Jurnal Pendidikan Anak, 13(1), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpa.v13i1.342
Anane, C. (2024). Impact of a game-based tool on student engagement in a foreign language course: a three-term analysis. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1430729
APJII. (2024). APJII Jumlah Pengguna Internet Indonesia Tembus 221 Juta Orang. Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia (APJII). https://apjii.or.id/berita/d/apjii-jumlah-pengguna-internet-indonesia-tembus-221-juta-orang
Aulia, A. M. I., Hamidah, H., Adelina Dewi Nuryaman, & Samdouni, S. (2022). Digital Literacy: Arabic Teacher Competencies in Distance Learning. Izdihar : Journal of Arabic Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 5(2), 135–150. https://doi.org/10.22219/jiz.v5i2.19709
Clemente-Suárez, V. J., Beltrán-Velasco, A. I., Herrero-Roldán, S., Rodriguez-Besteiro, S., Martínez-Guardado, I., Martín-Rodríguez, A., & Tornero-Aguilera, J. F. (2024). Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities. Children, 11(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111299
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2017). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research (Fifth Edit). SAGE Publications Inc.
Djody, K., Suharsiwi, S., Tamimi, M. T., Busahdiar, B., & Al-Mubarok, F. (2024). Development of Arabic language teaching materials based on information technology for elementary schools. Research and Development in Education (RaDEn), 4(2), 1397–1407. https://doi.org/10.22219/raden.v4i2.36100
Fitri, N., Kamsir, R. Z., Hasan, A., Hasibuan, H., Mirdad, J., & Afriwe, A. (2022). Pengaruh Gedget terhadap Aspek Perkembangan Bahasa pada PIAUD. Aulad: Journal on Early Childhood, 5(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.31004/aulad.v5i1.282
Fitriana, N. (2023). Penerapan Model Game Based Learning untuk Meningkatkan Motorik Halus Anak Usia Dini. Seulanga: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak, 4(2), 102–111. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.47766/seulanga.v4i2.1571
Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331–362. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.322
Habibah, I. F., Fitri, T., & Hasibuan, R. (2024). Unlocking Arabic Mastery: Exploring Self-Taught Language Learning with Mondly Application. El-Syaker : Samarinda International Journal of Language Studies, 1(2), 79–92. https://doi.org/10.64093/esijls.v1i2.27
Haq, A. Z., Akmansyah, M., Erlina, E., & Koderi, K. (2024). Technology integration in arabic language learning: A literature review on the effectiveness of e-learning and mobile applications. Journal of Research in Instructional, 4(2), 481–494. https://doi.org/10.30862/jri.v4i2.473
Hidayatika, U., & Nurhamidah, D. (2024). Quizwhizzer as A Innovative Evaluation Learning Media Bahasa Indonesia. Aksis : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 8(1), 79–90. https://doi.org/10.21009/aksis.080106
Karnita, A., Aisyah, S., Mustapa, N., Siti Syarah, E., Raymena Jovanka, D., & Bt Mahamud, S. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Digital Literacy on Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Education: A Systematic Literature Review. Al-Athfal: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak, 11(1), 81–121. https://doi.org/10.14421/al-athfal.2025.111-08
Kasmiati, K., Pamil, J., Masbukin, M., & Utami, D. I. (2023). Istima ’ Bahasa Arab melalui Penggunaan Gadget : Studi Kasus di PTAI Provinsi Riau. Instructional Development, 6(2), 158–165. https://dev-ojs.uin-suska.ac.id/index.php/IDJ/article/view/27075
Kurniawan, R., Sugiyono, S., & Musthofa, T. (2021). Integrative Arabic Language Teaching of Integrated Islamic Elementary Schools in Solo Raya. Arabiyat : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab Dan Kebahasaaraban, 8(1), 60–74. https://doi.org/10.15408/a.v8i1.20095
Liu, S., Reynolds, B. L., Thomas, N., & Soyoof, A. (2024). The Use of Digital Technologies to Develop Young Children’s Language and Literacy Skills: A Systematic Review. SAGE Open, 14(1), 21582440241230850. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241230850
Marni, M., & Rahmi, R. (2025). Arabic Learning Strategy for Early Childhood in Raudhatul Athfal Harapan Bunda. Tanwir Arabiyyah: Arabic As Foreign Language Journal, 5(1), 65–78. https://doi.org/10.31869/aflj.v5i1.6671
Mayer, R. E. (2024). The Past, Present, and Future of the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Educational Psychology Review, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09842-1
Melkonyan, A., & Matevosyan, A. (2020). Technology-assisted foreign language learning (TALL) in the digital age. SHS Web of Conferences, 88, 02005. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20208802005
Mizan, A. N., Aridan, M., Akmansyah, M., Adelia, S., Asiyah, I. N., & Sholikha, L. M. (2022). The Development of Arabic Learning Media Based on Android for Senior High School Students. LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 6(2), 178–189. https://doi.org/10.18326/lisania.v6i2.178-189
Muis, A., Haris, J., Khofi, M. B., Wijaya, K., & Setiadi, F. M. (2025). Enhancing 21st Century Skills through Digital Storytelling: A Study of Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Technological Literacy in History Education. Journal of Innovative and Creativity, 5(2 SE-Articles), 18099–18106. https://doi.org/10.31004/joecy.v5i2.2370
Nofiyanti, W., Sulistyaningtyas, R. E., & Astuti, F. P. (2023). The Influence of Gadget Use on The Development of Social Interaction in Children Aged 5–6 Years. EduBasic Journal: Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar, 5(2), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.17509/ebj.v5i2.64157
Norlaila, N., Muradi, A., Kamil, M., & Arifin, A. (2025). Students’ Difficulties In Arabic-A Study Of The Background Of Students Arabic Language Education. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 8(2), 992–1012. https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v8i2.32092
Nurhafani, M., Kurniawati, Y., Pranoto, S., & Nuzulia, S. (2023). The Influence of Children’s Gadget Use Intensity on Their Social Skills. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 17(2), 407–424. https://doi.org/10.21009/jpud.172.15
Piaget, J. (1964). Cognitive Development in Children: Development and Learning. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 2, 176–186. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tea.3660020306
Qomaruddin, Q., & Sa’diyah, H. (2024). Kajian Teoritis tentang Teknik Analisis Data dalam Penelitian Kualitatif: Perspektif Spradley, Miles dan Huberman. Journal of Management, Accounting, and Administration, 1(2), 77–84. https://doi.org/10.52620/jomaa.v1i2.93
Rezi, M., Mudinillah, A., Putri, L. R., & Shidqi, M. H. (2023). Utilization Of Online Quizizz For Arabic Language Learning. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v6i3.21008
Sergi, K., Gatewood, R., Elder, A., & Xu, J. (2017). Parental perspectives on children’s use of portable digital devices. Behaviour and Information Technology, 36(11), 1148–1161. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2017.1360941
Setiadi, F. M. (2025). Breaking Barriers: A New Era in Arabic Language Learning Through Digital Platforms. Journal of Arabic Education and Linguistics, 5(1), 12–23.
Setiadi, F. M., & Asrin, A. (2025). Problematika katalogisasi buku berbahasa Arab di Perpustakaan Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Mandailing Natal. Al-Kuttab: Jurnal Kajian Perpustakaan, Informasi Dan Kearsipan, 7(1), 46–60. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24952/ktb.v7i1.15312
Setiadi, F. M., & Khairunnisa, K. (2025). Pemanfaatan Aplikasi Canva dalam Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Interaktif Bahasa Arab untuk Anak Usia Dini: Utilization of Canva Application in the Development of Arabic Interactive Learning Media for Early Childhood. JURNAL TILA ( Tarbiyah Islamiyah Lil Athfaal ), 5(1), 567–576. https://doi.org/10.56874/tila.v5i1.2463
Setiadi, F. M., Maryati, S., & Mubharokkh, A. S. (2024). Analisis Dampak Penggunaan Gadget Terhadap Perkembangan Psikologis dan Keagamaan Anak Usia Dini (TK dan SD) dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Agama Islam. Muaddib: Islamic Education Journal, 7(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.19109/muaddib.v7i1.24432
Shidqi, M. H., Salam, M. Y., Batubara, A. A., Mudinillah, A., & Levan’s, O. (2024). Utilization of Android-Based Animation Video Learning Media to Increase Student Motivation for Learning Arabic in Higher Education. Al-Ta’rib : Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab IAIN Palangka Raya, 12(1), 57–68. https://doi.org/10.23971/altarib.v12i1.7425
Sitompul, H., Sayekti, R., Saragih, S. R. D., & Salminawati. (2023). Exploring Students’ Perception of Quizizz as a Learning Media in Higher Education. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 49(3), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt28449
Smith, H. L., & Lado, R. (1958). Linguistics across Cultures: Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers. In Language (Vol. 34, Issue 1). University of Michigan Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/411279
Sugiyono. (2015). Metode Penelitian Pendidikan: Pendekatan Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan R&D (21st ed.). Alfabeta.
Susiawati, I., Mardani, D., & Alhaq, M. F. (2025). the Role and Strategy of Digital Technology in Improving the Arabic Language Learning Process. HUNAFA Jurnal Studia Islamika, 21(2), 209–232. https://doi.org/10.24239/jsi.v21i2.783.209-232
Sweller, J. (2011). Cognitive Load Theory. Psychology of Learning and Motivation - Advances in Research and Theory, 55, 37–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-387691-1.00002-8
Tabroni, I., Sutisna, A., Sobari, A., & Farhan, M. (2022). Duolingo App Effect on Arabic Speaking Skills. Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Dan Pendidikan, 1(2), 88–98. https://doi.org/10.55606/inovasi.v1i2.293
Tatminingsih, S. (2022). Implementation of Digital Literacy in Indonesia Early Childhood Education. International Journal of Emerging Issues in Early Childhood Education, 4(1), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.31098/ijeiece.v4i1.894
Teichert, L., Anderson, J., Anderson, A., Hare, J., & McTavish, M. (2021). Access and Use of Digital Technologies in Early Childhood: A Review of Mixed Messages in Popular Media. Language and Literacy, 23(3), 106–129. https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29546
Wahyuni, S., Ritonga, M., Fitriani, R., Pitrianto, H., & Adam, Z. (2023). Arabic Speaking Skill Learning Using Word Chain Game in Madrasah. Izdihar : Journal of Arabic Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 6(2), 215–230. https://doi.org/10.22219/jiz.v6i2.28192
Yulianti, D., Montessori, M., Ananda, A., & Rahmi, T. (2023). Parents’ Strategy in Using Gadgets as a Source of Character Education. Scaffolding: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Dan Multikulturalisme, 5(2), 577–600. https://doi.org/10.37680/scaffolding.v5i2.3068
