THE EFFECT OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) TECHNOLOGY ON STUDENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE SUBJECTS IN GRADE IV MIS YPII TANJUNG PURA

Abstract

Technological developments have brought major changes to the world of education, especially in elementary school learning. Science lessons are often considered difficult by students because the material is abstract and is only conveyed through verbal or written explanations. This study aims to determine the effect of using Augmented Reality (AR) technology on students' understanding of science subjects in grade IV at MIS YPII Tanjung Pura. The method used was a quasi-experiment with a factorial design. The sample consisted of two classes, namely the experimental class that used AR media and the control class that used conventional media in the form of a blackboard. Data were collected through tests, questionnaires, and documentation, then analyzed using prerequisite tests, normality tests, homogeneity tests, t-tests, and further tests with Tukey's test. The results showed that the use of Augmented Reality media significantly improved student understanding. The average post-test score for the experimental class was 83.60, higher than the control class, which only scored an average of 75.65. This difference shows that students find it easier to understand the material when using AR media that displays three-dimensional objects and interactive animations. In addition, AR also increases students' interest and motivation to learn, making them more active, interested, and able to follow the learning process more enjoyably. This study proves that the use of Augmented Reality technology not only facilitates understanding of science material, but also supports the creation of an interactive and engaging learning experience for students with different learning styles