Virtual Reality Based on Local Wisdom to Improve Literacy, Numeracy, and Critical Thinking Skills in Natural and Social Sciences Subjects
Keywords:
Virtual Reality, Local Wisdom, Literacy, Numeracy, Critical Thinking Skills, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences.Abstract
This research aims to develop Virtual Reality (VR) learning media products based on the local wisdom of cocoa cultivation in Kampung Chocolate Educational Tourism, Blitar, Indonesia. This VR product is designed to enhance numeracy literacy and critical thinking skills in Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects for fourth-grade elementary school students. This study uses mixed methods with an embedded experimental model design combined with a sequential approach. The sampling technique was carried out randomly in strata. The results showed that the VR products developed were very valid (85%) according to the assessment of material experts, linguists, and IT experts, with only minor revisions required. Small-scale trials of five people showed a high level of product practicality (85%). Furthermore, a large-scale trial involving 4th-grade elementary school students in Blitar Regency, Indonesia, showed that this VR product was very effective, with a percentage of 79.93% in improving student learning outcomes. In addition, this study also found a positive correlation between the use of VR products and improved student learning outcomes. Overall, this study concludes that VR products based on local wisdom in Kampung Chocolate are valid, practical, and very effective learning media to improve numeracy literacy, critical thinking, and student learning outcomes in science subjects.
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