THE EFFECT OF THE USE OF THE ASSEMBLR EDU APPLICATION ON STUDENTS' INTEREST IN LEARNING AND INCREASING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE CONCEPTS AT SMP NEGERI 4 BANGKO

Abstract

The low interest of students in Natural Sciences (IPA) subjects is still a problem that has an impact on the quality of learning. Science is often considered difficult because it requires logical, analytical, and conceptual thinking skills, while teacher-centered learning causes students to be less active and easily bored. This study aims to examine the influence of the use of the Assemblr Edu application on students' interest in learning and understanding of science concepts at SMP Negeri 4 Bangko. The research uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design  of Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The research subjects consisted of an experimental group and a control group. Data was collected through concept comprehension tests and learning interest questionnaires, then analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Independent Sample t-test. The results showed that the average posttest score of students' concept understanding in the experimental group (M = 59.57) was higher than that of the control group (M = 52.08), but the difference was not statistically significant (Sig. = 0.082 > 0.05). The average student learning interest in the experimental group (M = 85.70) was also higher than in the control group (M = 83.96), but did not show a significant difference (Sig. = 0.443 > 0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that the use of the Assemblr Edu  application has not had a significant influence on students' interest in learning and understanding of science concepts, although descriptively it shows a tendency to improve. Optimizing the duration of use, student readiness, and utilization of application features is recommended to increase the effectiveness of science learning.