Hijaiyah letter interactive learning for mild mental retardation children using Gillingham method and augmented reality

Abstract

Assistive technology for children with special needs is a problem that is interesting to study. Collaboration between methods and latest technology can be used as a learning aid for them. Learning of Hijaiyah letters is the first step to being able to read the Holy Qur'an. Mentally retarded children have IQs below the average normal child, so their learning process is slower and requires special methods. This study aims to develop an application by using the Gillingham and augmented reality methods to help mentally retarded children recognize Hijaiyah letters. The Gillingham method uses a visual, auditory, kinestetic, and tactile (VAKT) approach, that can be used to facilitate mentally retarded children. While augmented reality is used to develop more interesting and interactive applications. Based on the results of research and testing, it can be concluded that the learning application that was built can improve children's memory and understanding of Hijaiyah letters, The results of the pretest and posttest testing, showed an increase of 12% for children who were difficult to receive learning material and 6% for children who are classified as easy to receive learning material.