STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF USING BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS APPLICATION FOR READING AT ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM UNIVERSITY OF BENGKULU

This research aims to investigate students' perceptions of using Books and
Audiobooks application for reading. This research involved ninth-semester
students of the Bengkulu University English study program, with a total sample of
36 students. Using mixed methods, this research began with a quantitative phase
using a questionnaire to collect data, followed by qualitative interviews with six
students to explore their opinions on the use of Books and Audiobooks
applications in their reading learning during academic reading lesson and their
reading activities. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive analysis. The
findings revealed that most students had a positive perception of the Books and
Audiobooks application. They think this application has interesting content and
several useful features that help them in learning to read. The Books and
Audiobooks application is considered effective for learning to read English and as
a tool for reading. Although some students complained about several
shortcomings in accessing this application, such as the large number of
advertisements displayed and the audio which sometimes sounded unclear. Even
so, all respondents suggested that this application could be used by other students
in learning reading. In conclusion, this research shows that students have a
positive perception of using Books and Audiobooks application for their reading
and highlights its effectiveness as a language learning aid despite the need for
increased ease of access in this application.
Keywords: Reading, Perception, Books and Audiobooks application.