The Needs Analysis of The Development and Usability of The “E-Ibadah” Application in The Teaching of Islamic Education for Pupils with Hearing Disabilities

Abstract

Special Education in Malaysia started in 1954 and it has provided opportunities for pupils with hearing disabilities to attend Special education under the Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI) until today.  Various efforts have been carried out by the Special Education Division (BPK) Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) to help this group.  This is clearly shown by the rapid changes in schools that make the teaching and learning approach of the 21st century (T&L) Islamic Education for Pupils with Special Needs also modified with today's technological developments.  This study conducted a needs analysis survey on the development and usability of the ‘e-ibadah’ Application for teaching Islamic education for pupils with hearing disabilities in level two.  This study is a quantitative descriptive study, and findings were reported using percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation.  The purposive sampling method was used to select 30 Special Education teachers from National Special Education Schools in Perak and Melaka.  A survey was conducted to collect information about the gap in level two pupils’ mastery of prayer steps and recitations and the need to develop the ‘e-ibadah’ applications.  The questionnaire instrument was divided into five parts of Participant demographics, Internet Access construct, Instructional Media Module Requirements construct and Application Design Element.  This study identified five themes from the study results, which provided an overview of level 2 hearing disabilities pupils’ mastery of prayers.  It was found that they have weak mastery of prayers’ steps and recitations.  In this light,  teaching and learning using the e-ibadah smartphone application need to be diversified to attract pupils and increase their interest in learning.  Teachers also need to be exposed to the e-ibadah Application to help them carry out more effective and meaningful teaching activities, attract pupils, and increase their interest in performing worship diligently and accurately.