Enhancing Students’ Understanding and Motivation During Covid-19 Pandemic by Development of Virtual Laboratory

Research Article

Abstract

The purpose of writing is to develop a virtual laboratory whose validity and effectiveness are measured to increase students' understanding and motivation in studying the chemistry material of Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions. The 4D model is used in the development of learning media in the form of a virtual laboratory. The validity of virtual laboratory products is confirmed by media experts and material experts in their fields. Product effectiveness was measured by means of a posttest only control group design with two groups of students involving 63 students. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires, tests, and interviews, with descriptive analysis for the results of validation of learning media and trials and t tests for testing the effectiveness of virtual laboratories. The results showed that the virtual laboratory is easy to use and has feedback at the end of the practicum simulation, so that the virtual laboratory can be applied as a valid and effective learning media in increasing student understanding and motivation.