ABSTRACT
The integration of technology in education is not merely a trend but it is a fundamental shift that holds the potential to enhance learning experiences and outcomes. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 4, emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education. This global perspective reiterates the necessity of innovative solutions that adapt to the diverse learning needs of students, the UBIAN E-Reader App emerges as a promising tool designed to address the gap in reading proficiency among primary pupils, particularly in the local context of adopted public schools of the University of Batangas Lipa City, Batangas from Sto Toribio, Marawoy, Bulacnin, Lumbang, Inosluban, and San Jose Elementary Schools. This research study aimed to examine the usability of the UBIAN E- Reader Application as a tool in developing the reading proficiency among the Grade 1 Pupils. The researchers used descriptive method, surveys, and self-made questionnaires validated by experts, which are analyzed and summarized to draw conclusions. The participants in this research were the 288 pupils from the 6 adopted public elementary schools in the division of Lipa City, Batangas. Moreover, a quantitative method was utilized in collecting the data, with simple statistical treatment to analyze and interpret the data gathered using frequency, percentage, ranking, and weighted mean, such as conducting survey questionnaires, and the respondents reported receiving a just and good quality of education in this mode of reading. The researchers produced a sustainable reading application with a strategic intervention using the UBIAN E-Reader application, which is also powered by artificial intelligence. Data were collected using a self-made questionnaire, which was validated by research experts before distribution. The questionnaire, designed to explore the challenges faced by students, was administered through Google Forms with assistance from reading coordinators and teachers. The primary focus of the research was on the app's usability, content, audio, and visual elements. The findings suggested that the UBIAN E-Reader Application is an effective tool for developing reading proficiency among Grade 1 pupils, though there were minor areas for improvement in visual and audio clarity. These insights contributed to the understanding of how digital tools can enhance early literacy and form a design of more effective educational apps for young learners. Furthermore, the study gave a better understanding on the effectiveness of digital learning tools like the UBIAN E-Reader App in enhancing early literacy development and addressing challenges faced by young learners in a technology-driven educational environment.
Keywords: Descriptive Survey, Usability, UBIAN E-Reader, Reading Proficiency, Constructivist Learning, Self-Determination Theory, Early Literacy, Public Elementary Schools, Quality Education, Reading Proficiency, Interventions, Inclusive, Sustainable Development Goals