Developing Virtual Braille English Audio Model for Reading Skills of Blind Students

Abstract

Learning media to support blind students English competence is still very limited. The development of Virtual Braille English Audio For Reading Skills (VB-EARS) model is aimed to produce Virtual Braille learning media model in the form of android based application to improve reading comprehension of blind students in high school. The research method consists of 2 steps: 1) pre-development step; and 2) model development step. Pre-development step are 1) to determine the tools in the form of an android-based Virtual Braille that can support blind students enhance their reading skill; 2) to determine the education level, which is Senior High School (SMA); 3) to determine the learning presentation and interactivity format (voice response and essay answer with Virtual Braille); and 4) to determine the concept of reading material, which is narrative text. Model development step applies ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation). The result of this model development is VB -EARS model for English subject which can improve reading comprehension skill of blind students in high school. This research has generated an overview of the application, design of the application system, navigation design, and system needs for android-based application of Virtual Braille learning audio media model to improve high school blind students reading skill.