PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN PETA DIGITAL TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN KONSEP RUANG PESERTA DIDIK SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of using digital maps on the understanding of spatial concepts among elementary school students. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design (non-equivalent control group design). The subjects of this study were 16 fifth-grade students at SDN 35/III Tambak Tinggi, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received learning using digital maps integrated into the IPS (Social Science) subject matter, while the control group received conventional learning using printed maps. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test instruments designed to measure students' understanding of spatial concepts, including the ability to read directions, identify symbols, determine scale, and understand spatial relationships. Data analysis employed paired t-test and independent t-test statistics. The results showed a significant difference in spatial concept understanding scores between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). The average N-Gain score of the experimental group (0.67) was higher than the control group (0.38), indicating that digital maps are more effective in improving spatial concept understanding. These findings suggest that the use of digital maps as a learning medium can significantly enhance students' spatial thinking ability. Practical implications include the recommendation for teachers to integrate digital map-based technology in IPS learning at the elementary school level to support the development of geographic and spatial literacy in the 21st century.