PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI DIGITAL UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MINAT BACA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has influenced the field of education,
including students’ reading literacy in elementary schools. Today, children tend to
use digital devices more for entertainment rather than educational activities. Data
from UNESCO shows that Indonesia’s literacy index is very low, with only 0.001%
of the population categorized as avid readers, while the average Indonesian child
spends around 9 hours per day looking at gadget screens. This condition indicates
that the potential of digital technology as a tool to support literacy has not been
utilized optimally. This article aims to examine the use of digital technology as a
means to improve literacy among elementary school students and to identify
effective forms of digital media in learning, using a literature study method.
The results of the study show that the directed use of digital technology has been
proven to significantly increase students’ interest in and ability in literacy. One study
recorded an increase in reading interest from 35% to 75% after implementing
creative technology-based methods for three months. The use of instructional video
media among 149 students in Jakarta also showed a significant effect, with 43.6%
of students reaching a high level of reading interest. Digital literacy programs
combined with reading habits before lessons are effective in building literacy habits
while also helping parents guide the wise use of gadgets. Effective strategies work
through four main mechanisms: habituation, modeling, interaction, and motivation
reinforcement. The success of literacy programs is also determined by teacher
competence, support from the school ecosystem, and active involvement of parents.
Digital technology will be effective when it is integrated pedagogically and
purposefully into the literacy learning process.