Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 30 SKILLED AT WRITING CHILDREN'S STORIES WITH SMARTPHONE APPLICATION (Case Study in Paud Terpadu Bunda Tami Tasikmalaya) Ayi MaulidaIKIP Siliwangibundaay.69@gmail.com ABSTRACTThis article is based on the research that aims to improve the skills of teachersin writing stories using the application of Art Filters and Pictsay Pro onsmartphone as a helper for teachers to make stories to PAUD students. Theresearch method is done by using Research and Development approach (R &D), i.e. research that is followed up by producing the product and testing theeffectiveness of the product. This research involves teachers in PAUDTERPADU BUNDA TAMI and also the students. The research procedureconsists of two stages, the first is introduction and the second is modeldevelopment. Data were collected by using observation; interview,documentation, questionnaires and expert validation test, and the results wereanalyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. Research shows that there is anincrease in teachers' skills in writing the story, because the existence of theseproducts provide new ideas and to develop a story with regard to theprinciples in PAUD development, such as holistic, contextual, meaningful, andfun. Student activeness in story learning also increased, this is becausechildren can be the subject of the story so they feel enthusiastic and has a highinterest to listening, asking and telling themselves in an event or somewhereaccording to the theme of the learning process. Keywords : Writing, Writing children's story, Smartphone Applications A. INTRODUCTIONThe rapid development of human civilization today, one of which is caused by theprocess of delivering information that went so smoothly. The development ofinformation has now reached all aspects of life in society. Studying informationtechnology is one of the things that need to be done by communication activists becausecommunication cannot be separated with the development of information technology.One of the forms of information technology is a smartphone. Smartphone is a mobilephone that has the ability to use and functions that resemble computer. This form ofinformation technology application is in great demand by the public. Smartphone is amobile phone with a sophisticated portable operating system equipped with acomputer-like operating system. Smartphones can implement various forms ofmultimedia just like computers, the advantage of a smartphone is that it has a highmobility and also can be operated more effectively. Almost in all areas of life did notescape from the utilization and application of information technology. Certainly, thetechnology is applied with different types of processed information. These fields are inthe field of education. The field of education can also feel the tremendous benefits of the Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 31 existence of this information technology. Various learning models can be done easilyand quickly. Besides, this information technology also can help the learning process orused as an educational media.Usually in a smartphone there is a software application that is generally known as asystem or program that has a function as a digital facility that helps the users to finishtheir task or job such as words processing, images, numbers, sounds, and so on. Notonly that, it has so many functions that are divided into several fields or categories suchas entertainment, business, education, etc. Swafoto or more often known as selfie has now become the lifestyle of the society. Thisis proved by the emergence of a smartphone with a sophisticated front camera tosoftware that can manipulate images as an additional feature. In addition, thedevelopers are also competing in creating camera applications as well as photo editingapplications to make the images stunning. One of them is Art Filter Photo Editor & SelfieCamera and Picsay Pro. Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera allows users to createcartoon and pencil sketches and pop artwork with a stunning pop art filters. Meanwhile,Pictsay Pro application that is created by Shinycore is very useful for those who like todo photo editing. In order to use this application there is no different from most otherediting photo application. Users are asked to take a picture that is already available inan album or take a picture directly. Furthermore, the user can select various optionssuch as color settings, put stickers on the image or add other photos on the image.Moreover, the user can add text to every image that they want. Through these variousapplications, all phones now seem to be transformed into such a photographer. The userof these applications is dominated by women. This is because more women spend theirtime to play social media that will lure them to style (exist) with a variety of photoseither pictures of themselves or other images.In the field of education, this application can be used as educational media. For example,writing children's story. Writing is one of the language skill which aims to express theideas, and feelings in writing or into the symbols of sound. By writing, a person willexperience the thought processes to express their ideas more broadly. Writing is relatedto one factor of the development of free thinking, based on the underlying experience.Such experience can be gained through reading, listening and discussion. Besides,writing can also be a productive and an expressive activity. However, the fact of writingchildren's stories is often becomes a hard and difficult thing to do, especially for novicewriters, including PAUD teachers. In fact, the stories are very identical to their lives inorder to develop their imagination and broaden their horizon and knowledge.(Rachmawati, 2014), said that mastery of a short story writing technique will helpsomeone to understand and know how to write a short story well.Asserted that learning to compose has not been done well in school. Because it lies onlyin the way the teachers teaches. Generally less variation, less in stimulating, and less infrequency. Discussion of student essay less implemented teacher (Fajri, 2005).For that purpose, this research aims to improve the skills in writing stories by using theapplication of Art Filter and Pictsay Pro on smartphone as a supporting media forteachers to make stories for children. With these applications, teachers are expected tobe motivated for more creative in order to make a learning media for their students.This article presents the results of research in the form of storybook products throughthe use of applications on smartphones. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 32 B. THEORETICAL REVIEW Smartphone Application (Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera)Art Filter Photo Editor, Cartoon Photo & Selfie Camera is an application from GooglePlay that could make cartoon and pencil sketch and pop artwork with a good pop artfilter. Art filters transform photo objects into artwork using their artificial neuralnetwork algorithms. Photo editor with cartoon filter using pencil sketch effect, photofilter and filter is a mixing from self-beauty and self-glamour camera. Art Filter is one ofthe stylish photo effect collections.Other than that application, there is also an application named Pictsay Pro which is anandroid photo editing application that is easiest to use. The application that is inventedby Shinycore has a very small size that is less than 2Mb. For that reason, this applicationcan work very fast, and it can be used on all versions of android. Besides its has verylight memory, this application is very simple to use too. After adding the filter section,android or smartphone users can add so many styles via text and animation accordingto the moment that contained in the photo. The Understanding of WritingStates that writing is to derive or represent graphic representations depicting alanguage that a person understands, so that others can read the graphic symbols if theyunderstand the graph language. (Fajri, 2005)Meanwhile, writing is part of the language in written form in order to express the ideato the readers (Fajri, 2005). The purpose of writing is: (1) Conveying a thought or ideato the reader; (2) Delivering information about a story to the reader; (3) Providingentertainment to the reader; (4) Influencing or inviting the reader through writing.Based on its purpose, writing can be divided into several types, which are scientificwriting and non-scientific writing (fictional). Meanwhile, this research will be focusedon improving the ability to write fiction story (non-scientific). In non-scientific writing,the language that is used is informal language and it and can be a mixture of fiction(non-scientific) and ordinary stories. Sometimes the characteristics of the story arelogical and sometimes illogical.Writing narrative stories is a fictitious (imaginary) storytelling or stories that comefrom self-experience. In the narrative stories, there is usually a continuous story that ispresented with a clear description of the characters in the story, the storyline and thescene as a whole. Therefore, as if the reader can experience the event directly deliveredby the author through the reading (Fajri, 2005).According to (Hernowo, 2003), writing is about the deepest thoughts and feelings aboutan event or experience which will even make the mood better with a positive outlook,and make health even better. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 33 Writing Fiction StoriesTo begin writing a story, every writer has different technique writing. When starting towrite a fictional story, let this be a continuation task, find out how much there is toknow about the materials that will be used to guide the story. If in the story it tells theevents completely based on memory, without wishing to make things up, do not evenwant to exaggerate and embellish or describe in detail, then the writing is a non-fictionstory. However, if the text is contrary to the above, then the writing is a fictional story(Hernowo, 2003).According to (Dadang Sunendar, 2007), fiction and Literature, fictional stories (novels,novels, etc.); 2 fictitious; fantasy; not based on reality; 3 statements that are based onlyon delusions or thoughts.Fictional stories are more like lies or fiction. Writer can start the story with somethingreal, but for a specific purpose (so as not to be caught, considered cheating and earningmoney) so that the author at least change one important point in the story. This is agood thing for writers as a place to express their ideas so they can be a whole story. The Benefits of Writing Stories for TeachersThe ability or mastery of fiction wriring techniques is helpful, even important forsomeone skilled at writing stories, expressing ideas, criticism, petition, moral values andeducational values. Especially someone who is involved in education, to deliver his/hermassages, and then they can do it through stories that have been written. The Implementation of Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera and Pictsay Pro Application in Making StoriesAccording to (Dadang Sunendar, 2007) In Big Indonesian Dictionary mentioned thatthe photo is a portrait image. (Sudjana, 2013) states that photo media is one of thelearning media that is not projected to be observed and used for the purpose ofindividuals, small groups or large groups. Meanwhile, photo medias is a medium that isoften used because a photo more express than a thousand words (Sadiman, Raharjo,2012). According to (Susilana and Riyana, 2009), silent image media is a visual media inthe form of images produced through the process of photography. This media type ofimage is a photo.Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera relies on images as a media in the learningprocess to children. These images or objects can be one of the main factors in thelearning process. In this application, each student can be the object or character in thestory. Students can be photographed with a variety of styles, then use a suitablebackground or image, and then the photo can be merged through the editing processand made into a quality art. The story can be arranged in advance with the existingtheme, so before the learning process begin the teacher has prepared an image that willbe displayed either in the form of a card / flashcard or in the form of a large-size cartaand in the form of cartoon and pencil sketches and pop artwork and a good pop artfilter. Meanwhile, the Pictsay Pro application can be used to add story text to imagesthat have been in the process of editing. So the shape of the story can be made like acomic. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 34 C. METHODSThis research is conducted by using Research and Development (R & D) that is researchwhich is followed up with the development and dissemination. Research developmentwill produce the product and will test the effectiveness of the product (Prof. DR.Sugiyono, 2017). The research procedure consists of two stages, the first is introductionand the second is model development. In the introduction, data collection was done toobtained an overview of what teachers needed and also the implementation of writingskills development in writing children stories for PAUD students. Furthermore, ananalysis of story writing skills was conducted. From the results contained in theintroduction, used as a foundation for composing a model of developing the ability towrite using smartphone applications that are Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Cameraand Pictsay Pro. After that in the assessment phase the skills of writing is validated bythe validators (experts and teachers) then it should be revised based on the suggestionthat are given by the validators. The model development that already revised thentested in the field, which is implemented in teaching and learning activities inkindergarten.The research was conducted in PAUD BUNDA TAMI Tasikmalaya District for 1 monthstarting from introduction to smartphone application development. The introductionwas done to the subject of study of "PAUD TERPADU BUNDA TAMI" teachers to gain thedata about the importance of improving writing skills for teachers. Determination of"early childhood" was chosen as the subject of the research conducted by purposivesampling that is the technique of determining the sample because the researcher has acertain consideration or goal which is adjusted to the purpose of the research.Considerations of sample determination are: (1) Attitude of openness to learninginnovation and willingness to collaborate both from teacher and head of "PAUD" whichhave been selected; and (2) The condition of the school is adequate both in terms offacilities and facilities that will be used for model development. Research subjects infield trials are teachers who collaborate as learning implementers consisting of two"PAUD" teachers and “PAUD” students themselves.The methods used to collect data are field observation, interview, document review,expert review (Klein, 2007) and questionnaire. In the introduction study, for 2 (two)weeks, data were collected by using observation method, interview, document review,and questionnaire. Supporting instruments for collecting research data include:observation guides, field notes, audio recordings, documentation photographs,documents, and research scale. The data in this research uses quantitative andqualitative research. The quantitative data generated from a questionnaire about theconditions and needs of the teachers at the beginning of the study. Meanwhile, thequalitative data is generated from interviews, observations and document studies onthe introduction and data development process. Quantitative analysis techniques areused to process the data at the beginning of the introduction. The results of thequestionnaire were analyzed by percentage and described in qualitative. Field test datais a result of model implementation in the field that is analyzed by using qualitativeanalysis technique of flow model (Prof. Dr. Sugiyono, 2017). Analytical activitiesinclude: data reduction, data presentation, conclusions and verification. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 35 D. RESULT OF THE RESEARCH AND DISCUSSIONThe results of the introduction to the conditions and needs of the teacher indicate thatall teachers prepare the plan in the form of Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Mingguan (RPPM) and Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Harian (RPPH) beforeimplementation begins. In preparing the plan, teachers do not experience difficulties.However, the difficulty experienced by teachers in developing children's story writingskills is to make stories as interesting as possible for children.Observations were made during the story-writing lesson that was held in the PAUDTERPADU BUNDA TAMI. In addition, interview sessions were conducted with teachersby knowing the results of the actual conditions that occur in the skills of writing storiesto children. From this initial observation there is also a problem in the way of telling thestory to the children.Based on the result of the first observation, researcher found out that teachers areactually lacking in their skill of writing stories, it can be seen from the methods and theuse of media is monotonous and without involving students so that children tend to justlistening, speaking and reading. Therefore, researchers collaborate with classroomteachers to obtain a solution to resolve the issue. After researcher and teachers held adiscussions, it was finally agreed that the use of the Art Filters Photo Editor & SelfieCamera and Pictsay Pro application as a media to enhance students' attractivenesswhile developing and improving story-writing skills for teachers.Furthermore, researchers try to socialize how to develop the stories with bothapplications by asking teachers to download both applications. After that, each teacheris asked to determine the theme of the story as well as designing the concept of thestory to be presented. If the concept has been properly arranged, then the teacher doesa photo shoot of the student with a pose that has been adjusted with the dialogue in thestory that has been designed previously. After that do the editing using bothapplications.Besides that, researcher conducted interviews and questionnaires with teachersregarding the result product from Art Filters and Photo Editor Selfie Camera and PictsayPro application, feedback submitted by teachers turned out to be very responsive. Theywere impressed with both applications that could support a story, which they knewbeforehand that these applications have been mostly only used for selfie and editing ona photo to produce an artistic image just as a pleasure.After that the researcher together with the teacher designed a plan to practice makingthe product with the children. Here are some examples of results from the Art FilterPhoto Editor & Selfie Camera and Pictsay Pro application. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 36 Picture 1 The result of utilizing the application in the form of Flash Card and comic with the theme around the world and fieldtripBy involving students in the story as a character in a theme, it can make the studentsmotivated and active in following the story delivered by the teacher so it making thementhusiastic and interested in listening, asking, and telling themselves in an event orplace. This can be seen from the observations on the activities of students who areactive during the learning process takes place. Students are no longer just listening tostories, but they can also tell about the image results from Art Filter Photo Editor &Selfie Camera and Pictsay Pro application.In the past the students had a tendency to not last long when listening to a story, theywould joke with friends or do other activities. Other than that, using media in writingstories involving the students as the main subject, the teacher have the idea to developthe ability to write another story with different situations and different places withoutlosing the elements of good character. Not only that, when students become charactersin the story children will feel confident, feel recognized and appreciated, so the processof delivering the story will be meaningful for children.Based on the activities that have been presented, teachers can be said has beensuccessful in improving their skill in in writing children's story by using a smartphoneapplication. This is means that this Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera and PictsayPro application able to help the teachers in pouring the ideas they have so they canwrite stories for children. Besides, these measures also increase the interest andmotivation of students in following the learning process at school.Based on the result of analysis and field observation, researchers assumed that bydeveloping the media of Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera and Picsay Proapplication which is based on the learning process principles of PAUD, which areholistic, contextual, meaningful and fun. The holistic principle refers to the stage of Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 37 children development, which according to Piaget is in a concrete pre-operational period.At this time, the children see the world as a whole. Learning for children at this age isdone with a contextual, complete, concrete, and meaningful approach through a seriesof experiences. Development activities are not done artificially, in some developmentactivities are done separately.Media development of Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera and Pictsay Proapplication is done by applying thematic approach. This is not a new thing for PAUDteachers. But with the self-made product by the teacher and involving the students assubjects in a story can create a different impression. The emphasis contained in thisproduct is based on an effort to cultivate the character of the student with the theme /subtheme selection, and then begin to establish the purpose of developing the media.By creating a product from Art Filter Photo Editor & Selfie Camera and Pictsay Pro,teachers get benefit in the learning process that is they can improve their skills in storywriting. Due to the application, teachers can get an idea that makes it possible to dophoto editing, sketching cartoons and pencil, as well as pop art with a stunning pop artfilter. Meanwhile, Pro PictSay application is useful for adding text or narration to thephotographs of children as subjects of the story. In order to use this application there isno different from most other editing photo application like Prisma, etc.PAUD teachers can insert a picture that is already available in an album or take a pictureof the students directly. Furthermore, the teacher can select various options such ascolor settings, put stickers on the image or add other photos on the image. Moreover,teachers also can add text in the selected image. The second formulation is based on thestudents themselves, who are the subject of the story, and then this may increase theinterest and motivation of students to participate in learning activities. Other than that,children will feel that they are directly involved in the story so they can tell aboutthemselves according to the content of the photo. However, this is surely done based onthe theme selection and considering the interests and needs of the students. Theselection of activities is done through dialogue and exploration of the child's experiencerelated to the chosen sub theme so that the material and development activities becomefamiliar to the children.In choosing a theme or using a photo as an educational medium, the teacher should payattention to several things. According to (Rinanto, 1982), there are four conditions thatneed to be considered in making the photo as an educational medium that is: (1) theimage must be authentic, (2) the image must be simple, (3) the picture must carry themessage, (4) the image must be dynamic . E. CONCLUSIONBased on the results of the research the development of teacher’s skills in writingchildren's story, it can be concluded that writing a story by using the media of Art FilterPhoto Editor & Selfie Camera and Pictsay Pro that are :1. Improving teachers' skills in writing the story, because the existence of theseproducts gives the idea to develop a story with regard to the principles in PAUDdevelopment, which are holistic, contextual, meaningful and fun. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 38 2. Student activeness in story learning also increased, this is because children can bethe subject of the story so they feel enthusiastic and has a high interest to listening,asking and telling themselves in an event or somewhere according to the theme ofthe learning process.3. Increase children's confidence and create the feelings of acceptance andacknowledgment also appreciation. BIBLIOGRAPHYDadang Sunendar. (2007). 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