MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Students from Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED) have introduced a technological innovation aimed at improving access to Qur'an learning for visually impaired individuals. The device, called Electronic IQRO, is a Braille-based learning medium equipped with an interactive audio system that allows users to study Qur'an recitation more easily and accurately.
The student team implemented the innovation at the Indonesian Blind Association (PERTUNI) of North Sumatra to help improve Braille Qur'an literacy among its members.
Aldino, the founder and team leader of the project, explained that Qur'an learning at PERTUNI has so far relied mainly on conventional Braille materials, which still pose challenges for some visually impaired learners. The small Braille dots can easily wear out and become difficult to detect by touch, leading to inaccuracies in reading.
"Through
Electronic IQRO, which features tactile buttons and interactive voice feedback, users can verify the correct pronunciation according to the Braille letters they touch," Aldino said on Friday (March 13, 2026).
Interactive Audio-Based Learning Tool
Aldino and his team designed
Electronic IQRO as a basic learning device that combines Braille characters with elastomer tactile buttons. When a user presses a button, the device produces the pronunciation of the corresponding letter or Qur'anic reading.
This concept allows learners not only to feel Braille dots but also to receive immediate audio feedback. The method makes the learning process more interactive while enabling users to independently verify the accuracy of their pronunciation.
The student team behind the innovation includes Aldino (Primary School Teacher Education, class of 2022) as team leader, Raudhatul Jannah from the English Education program (2022), and Andira from Electrical Engineering (2023). UNIMED lecturer Asna Istikmalatul Muktamaroh supervised the development of the program.
Implementation at PERTUNI North Sumatra
The development team carried out the program regularly from December 22, 2025, to February 27, 2026, at the office of the Regional Board of the Indonesian Blind Association (PERTUNI) in Sei Putih Barat, Medan.
During the trial period, dozens of PERTUNI members from different age groups used the learning media. The implementation results show that the Iqronic book and learning modules developed in the program reached around 45 percent of the 150 registered family cards within the regional association.
"This means that approximately 80 PERTUNI members, ranging from children to the elderly, have already benefited from this learning tool," Aldino explained.
The team arranged the learning materials in stages, starting with the introduction of Braille hijaiyah letters, followed by vowel signs such as fathah, kasrah, and dhammah. The curriculum also includes advanced topics such as basic mad rules, sukun, tanwin, tasydid, and exercises for reading segments of Qur'anic verses in Braille.
Volunteer Support and Future DevelopmentThe program was also supported by volunteers from several universities. Among them were Awaluddin Harahap, Rafi Arya Dipa Permana, and Melisa from UNIMED; Arief and Fadil from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara; and Laila from Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara.
Saiful Bakti Daulay, Chairman of the PERTUNI Regional Board of North Sumatra, praised the innovation developed by the
UNIMED students. He noted that the learning media significantly helps PERTUNI members improve their ability to read the Qur'an in Braille more effectively.
Looking ahead, the development team plans to expand the distribution of Electronic IQRO to various regions across North Sumatra. They aim to introduce the device to special schools (SLB), Islamic boarding schools, inclusive schools, and religious institutions such as Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs and the National Zakat Agency.
The development of
Electronic IQRO is also part of a digital technology-based social entrepreneurship competition initiated by Telkom Indonesia and Telkom University in collaboration with Danantara. The program encourages university students across Indonesia to create sustainable social innovations that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through this innovation, UNIMED students demonstrate how technology and social awareness can work together to create real solutions that expand inclusive Qur'an literacy for visually impaired communities in North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati