Augmented Reality-enhanced E-module on Chemical Bonding in Salacca Fruit: Effects on High School Students' Spatial Ability

Abstract

Learning chemical bonding in high school requires high spatial ability to visualize abstract concepts. This study aims to test the effectiveness and practicality of an e-module for chemical bonding practicum based on salak fruit content integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) on students' spatial abilities. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. The research population consisted of tenth grade students in three schools, totalling 627 students. the research samples were taken using purposive sampling techniques, 66 students (experimental group n=33, control group n=33 and three chemistry teachers. Data were analyzed using N-gain scores, independent sample t-tests, and descriptive percentage analysis. The results showed that the e-module was highly effective with an N-gain of 0.85 (high category) and the spatial ability score of the experimental class (80.61) was significantly higher than that of the control class (70.30) with t=3.552 (p=0.001). Teachers rated the practicality as very good: cover design and salak fruit integration (93.3%), material (91.1%), practicality (89.1%), spatial ability (88.3%), language (86.9%), and AR use (78.3%). Students gave positive responses (82.3%) on the aspects of AR (85%), language (82%), and appearance (80%). The practical e-module proved to be effective and practical in improving spatial ability by integrating AR technology and the local context of salak fruit to bridge abstract concepts into concrete ones.