Development of Mobile Learning Application System for Environmental Science Material (SARITHA-Apps)

Abstract

The constraints posed by traditional learning tools for environmental science materials hinder the advancement of innovative and interactive learning resources, which are essential for enhancing the understanding of environmental science concepts. This research aims to develop a mobilelearning application for environmental science material to increase students’ interest in learning and cognitive abilities in environmental science material. This study uses a quantitative approach. The research population was students of the Biology Education Study Program, FKIP, Palangka Raya University, totaling 243 people. The sampling technique uses purportive sampling. The target sample is students who are taking environmental knowledge courses. The sample size was 24 people. The research approach uses the Hannafin & Peck model by identifying and designing mobile-learning media along with environmental science material content, testing its performance on respondents, and analyzing learners’ cognitive skills and respondents’ learning interests. Data collection was carried out using product reflection questionnaires by a team of experts, pre-test and post-test instruments, and reflection questionnaires by users. The results show that: (1) a mobile learning application for environmental sciences materials has been produced, namely the SARITHA-Apps (abbreviation of Sistem Aplikasi Mobile LeaRning Materi Ilmu PengeTaHuan LingkungAn) as one of the materials in biology education in schools; (2) the average result of the expert team’s assessment on the product feasibility is 91%, which means the qualification is “Very Eligible”; (3) the SARITHA-Apps can improve learning cognitive skills of the respondents with an N-Gain of 0.4 or the “Moderate” category and ; (4) based on the survey, 73% of total respondents agreed (or in “Strong” qualification) that the SARITHA-Apps has a strong impact on the increasing their scientific interests for better understanding on environmental sciences subject.