Virtual Booth

The Takis Cekal SmartKids(iCekal) Mobile Application was developed as an innovative digital learning platform to enhance early childhood Islamic education at Takis Cekal Islamic Preschool. The application integrates foundational preschool subjects with structured Islamic learning components, including interactive hijaiyah recognition, the pillars of islam, arabic number , body parts and daily prayers(doa) memorization. Designed using child-centered interface principles and gamification elements, the app aims to increase engagement, improve knowledge retention, and support holistic spiritual and cognitive development among preschool learners. A full-scale usability and implementation testing phase was conducted involving all enrolled students and teaching staff. Evaluation methods included classroom observation, teacher feedback analysis, engagement monitoring, and informal learning assessments. The findings indicated a high student engagement rate of approximately 90–95% during app-based sessions, with noticeable reductions in distraction levels compared to conventional worksheet-based learning. Students demonstrated improved hijaiyah recognition accuracy, faster memorization of selected daily doa through audio repetition features, and increased confidence in responding to basic Islamic knowledge questions. Teachers reported enhanced classroom focus, reduced lesson preparation time due to structured digital modules, and ease of integration into existing teaching practices. Overall qualitative feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the preschool management formally issued a letter of appreciation acknowledging the effectiveness and impact of the application. From an Islamic education perspective, the application supports early spiritual formation by embedding faith-based values within interactive digital experiences. It strengthens foundational Islamic identity, promotes positive character development through akhlak-centered storytelling, and bridges traditional religious pedagogy with modern educational technology. Institutionally, the project contributes to the Polytechnic’s innovation, research, and community engagement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It demonstrates applied expertise in educational technology development, supports knowledge transfer initiatives, enhances institutional visibility, and provides authentic project-based learning opportunities aligned with Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLO). Furthermore, the application presents potential for scalability, intellectual property registration, and broader implementation in Islamic early childhood education settings. In conclusion, the Takis Cekal SmartKids(iCekal) Mobile Application has proven to be an effective, scalable, and impactful digital innovation that enhances Islamic preschool education while simultaneously strengthening the Polytechnic’s academic, research, and community engagement ecosystem.

Keyword: Islamic preschool education, gamified learning; digital Islamic pedagogy, early childhood engagement, educational innovation,community-based technology.