DEVELOPMENT OF BIODIVERSITY LITERACY BASED VIRTUAL REALITY MEDIA TO IMPROVE STUDENTS CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Novita Rezki Kamali, Lilan Dama, Chairunnisa J. Lamangantjo, Ani M Hasan, Masra Latjompoh

Abstract


This study aims to develop a biodiversity literacy-based Virtual Reality learning medium that is valid, practical, and effective in improving the conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills of tenth-grade students at SMK Negeri 1 Paguyaman. The medium brings the local ecosystem of the Nantu Wildlife Reserve into the classroom, addressing the constraints of access, cost, and time involved in direct field observation. This research and development (R&D) study utilized the ADDIE model. Validation was conducted by three validators: two content and test-item experts and one media expert. The product was then tested on a limited scale with 20 students and on a broader scale with 50 students over three meetings in the Science and Social Studies Project (IPAS Project) subject. Data were collected using validation sheets, observation sheets of lesson implementation and student activity, student response questionnaires, and tests of conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. The data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis, employing percentages and N-Gain. The results showed that the medium was categorized as valid to very valid. Lesson implementation and student activity were categorized as very practical, and all students (100%) gave positive responses. Improvements in conceptual understanding (N-Gain 0.47–0.68) and critical thinking skills (N-Gain 0.54–0.61) fell into the medium category. Therefore, the biodiversity literacy-based VR medium is valid, practical, and effective for use in learning.


Keywords


Virtual Reality; Biodiversity Literacy; Concept Understanding; Critical Thinking Skills

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.29100/eduproxima.v8i4.11685

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