Utilization Of Affordable Digital Media in Early Childhood Learning: A Creative Economy Study in Nonformal Institutions

Abstrak

This study aims to explore the utilization of affordable digital media in the early childhood learning process within nonformal educational institutions, as well as how this approach correlates with the development of the creative economy. In the digital era and with limited resources, many nonformal institutions have begun innovating by using simple devices such as smartphones, mini projectors, and free educational applications as alternative learning media. The research method employed is qualitative, using a case study approach on three nonformal institutions located in urban and semi-urban areas. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews with educators, and documentation of learning activities. The results indicate that affordable digital media can increase children’s engagement, enrich teaching methods, and encourage parental participation through creative economy-based educational content such as local animated videos, self-directed educational games, and collaborative digital works. Additionally, institutions that effectively utilize digital media are able to open new economic opportunities, such as digital training for teachers and the production of local educational content. The conclusion of this study shows that affordable digital media is not only pedagogically effective but also has the potential to become a strategy for strengthening the creative economy in the nonformal early childhood education sector.