Perbandingan Efektivitas Penggunaan Arduino Virtual dan Arduino Real Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Informatika Kurikulum Merdeka di SMP Dharma Wiweka

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of virtual and real Arduino-based learning at SMP Dharma Wiweka in the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research employed an experimental design involving two groups of Grade IX students: a virtual group using Tinkercad and a real group using physical Arduino devices. The research instruments consisted of pre-tests, post-tests, and observations of psychomotor skills. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA, N-gain calculations, and the Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The results indicate a significant difference between the two groups, with the real Arduino group achieving higher post-test scores and N-gain values (0.65; moderate category) compared to the virtual group (0.47; low–moderate category). The ANOVA results further support this finding, with a p-value of 0.004 < 0.05. The PLS-SEM analysis reveals that learning effectiveness does not have a significant direct effect on learning outcomes (); instead, learning outcomes are more strongly influenced by the type of learning media used. Therefore, real Arduino-based learning is more effective in improving students’ learning outcomes and skills than virtual simulation-based learning. The research outputs include an Arduino teaching module aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum.