Learning Innovation: UNP39s AR Pop-Up Book Presents A Fun And Cultural Educational Experience

The Humanities Research Student Creativity Program (PKM-RSH) 2024 team from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) launched their latest innovation, the Pop-up Book “Belajar Membaca Bersama Dito Augmented Reality Bernuansa Budaya Lokal” designed specifically for grade 1 students. This pop-up book combines Augmented Reality (AR) technology with elements of local culture to create an interactive and fun learning experience.

The head of the PKM team from PGSD class of 2021, Amanda Berlia Bersky, said, there are several advantages of this application including providing an interactive learning experience. This application combines AR technology with pop-up books, allowing Dito’s character and local cultural elements to ‘live’ on the pages of the book. This increases student engagement and learning appeal. In addition, it emphasizes local culture. The learning-to-read content in the app contains elements of local culture, helping students feel more connected to their surroundings and increasing pride in their cultural heritage, while teaching essential reading skills.

“The app also provides visual and sensory stimulation through AR technology. The app not only displays visually appealing images but also provides a rich sensory experience, helping to improve students’ understanding and recall of the material learned,” he said accompanied by members Kurnia Shandi from PTI 2021, Melani Adila Putri from PTI 2021, and Nurul Azmi from PGSD 2021. 

Furthermore, Kurnia added, this application also allows adjusting the level of difficulty according to the ability of each student. Interactive features allow students to actively participate in the learning process, such as spelling words or exploring certain cultural elements through AR. “This application can be accessed through digital devices such as smartphones or tablets, making it easier for students to learn anywhere and anytime, both at school and at home,” he said.

Melani said, the work on this application under the guidance of Tiok Wijanarko, M.Pd., Lecturer in the Department of Elementary School Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Padang State University (FIP UNP), has implemented this innovation in one of the elementary schools in Padang City. “And the children at SD Negeri 1 Bandar Buar showed great enthusiasm in using this learning media. The students’ post-test results prove that they can recognize letters faster,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of SDN 01 Bandar Buat, Novrianita Deni, S.Pd really appreciated this idea and felt that learning media like this is very liked and interested by children, making them more interested in learning to read compared to conventional learning methods.

“I hope this pop-up book can be reproduced and circulated to other schools. He is ready to promote this book to other schools and suggested to establish cooperation with various printing houses that work with schools,” he said.

Tiok Wijanarko said, with the combination of traditional pop-up books and Augmented Reality technology, the app provides an innovative and engaging learning experience for grade 1 students, enriching their learning process with elements of local culture that can inspire and educate effectively. (*)