Digital Reading Module at Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau: A Needs Analysis

Abstract

Developing an e-reading module tailored to university students requires a comprehensive understanding of their needs, including their reading habits, preferences, and challenges in the digital environment. This study conducted a needs analysis to inform the development of an e-reading module for university students. The method of this study was quantitative, and the data was collected through a questionnaire. Using purposive sampling, the questionnaire was administered to 134 English Education students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau. The questionnaire intended to assess their perceptions of existing materials and identify key challenges in reading comprehension. Results indicated moderate satisfaction with current modules but highlighted significant vocabulary, complex texts, and cultural comprehension difficulties. Students expressed strong interest in interactive, multimedia-rich e-modules. The findings justify developing a tailored e-module to enhance reading skills, emphasizing vocabulary support, cultural context, and interactive features. This study provides insights for creating more effective digital reading materials in English language education. Recommendations include developing more engaging and multimodal learning resources, implementing differentiated materials for various proficiency levels, and incorporating more technology in language instruction. The research highlights the complex interplay of factors affecting student success in English reading comprehension and emphasizes the importance of effectively adapting teaching materials and methods to address these challenges.