Development and Effectiveness of Interactive Wordwall Digital Media for Early Childhood Literacy

Taopik Rahman (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Sadick Akida Mwariko (University of Dar es Salaam)
Nisna Nursarofah (Department of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Anggi Maulana Rizqi (Department of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Thiana Nurussakinah (Department of Early Childhood Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)

Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif
Vol 16, No 2 (2026): Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif

This study aimed to develop interactive Wordwall-based digital media for children aged 4-5 years and evaluate its feasibility, practicality, and effectiveness in improving early literacy skills, particularly letter recognition and phonemic awareness. This R&D study applied the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) and was conducted at TK Cerdik and TK Sejahtera 4 in West Java, Indonesia. Participants included teachers and children aged 4-5 years. Feasibility was assessed through expert validation (material, media, and pedagogical experts). Practicality was tested in a small-group trial (n=10), and effectiveness was measured through pre- and post-test literacy assessments in a large-group trial (n=30), with results analyzed using the normalized gain (N-gain) formula. Needs analysis showed that 90% of children were at the “beginning to develop” literacy stage, reflected in a pre-test average of 4.4 (low). Expert validation scores were 80% for material (feasible), 80% for media (feasible), and 100% for pedagogy (very feasible), placing the overall product in the very feasible category. The pedagogical score was based on a structured six-component rubric covering curriculum alignment, developmental appropriateness, play-based learning principles, and teacher usability. The small-group trial yielded a practicality rating of 100% (very feasible). In the large-group trial, the post-test average increased to 10.4, yielding an N-gain of 0.8 (high effectiveness). The most notable improvements were in letter recognition and letter-sound matching. Wordwall-based interactive digital media is feasible, practical, and highly effective in enhancing early childhood literacy among children aged 4-5 years. The media offers an evidence-based, culturally responsive alternative to conventional instructional tools and can be integrated into daily early childhood education practice. Keywords: early childhood literacy, interactive media, wordwall, digital learning, media development.