Developing a Problem-Based Science Mobile App to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills and Digital Literacy
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v11i10.13041Published:
2025-11-10Downloads
Abstract
The use of technology in the learning process can support 21st century learning. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of a problem-based science mobile app to improve students' critical thinking skills and digital literacy, to determine students' responses to a problem-based science mobile app to improve students' critical thinking skills and digital literacy. The method used is research and development (R&D). The stages carried out adapt the Borg & Gall model, namely preliminary studies, planning, initial product development, product validation, limited trials, revisions to produce the main product, and product dissemination and implementation. The results of the study showed an average total validation score from media experts, material experts and teachers/practitioners in the learning aspect of 52.17, material aspects 54.17, media display aspects 77.33, and programming aspects of 43.17, all aspects of the very good category. The results of the analysis of student responses to the problem-based science mobile app obtained an average score of 14.39 in the very good category. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the developed problem-based Science Mobile App is suitable for use by teachers as a medium to improve critical thinking skills and digital literacy. Student response to the problem-based science mobile app was very good, so the app can be used well by students.
Keywords:
Application; Critical thinking, Pproblem-Based, Digital literacy, Science mobile appReferences
Adinda, I. R., Hasanah, U., & Banun, S. (2022). Analisis Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Biologi Siswa Saat Pembelajaran Daring. Jurnal Biolokus, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.30821/biolokus.v4i2.1026
Afni, N., Wahid, A., Hastati, S., Jumrah, A. M., & Mursidin, M. (2021). Pengembangan Model Pembelajaran Abad 21 Di SD Negeri 126 Borong Kecamatan Herlang Kabupaten Bulukumba. Madaniya, 2(2), 137–42. https://doi.org/10.53696/27214834.66
Allen, C., Metternicht, G., & Wiedmann, T. (2021). Priorities for Science to Support National Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of Progress and Gaps. Sustainable Development, 29(4), 635–52. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2164
Asrizal, A., Amran, A., Ananda, A., Festiyed, F., & Sumarmin, R. (2018). The development of integrated science instructional materials to improve studentsâ€TM digital literacy in scientific approach. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 7(4), 442–450. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v7i4.13613
Asyari, M., Muhdhar, M. H. I. Al, Susilo, H., & Ibrohim. (2016). Improving Critical Thinking Skills through the Integration of Problem Based Learning and Group Investigation. International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, 5(1), 36–44. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLLS-10-2014-0042
Atmojo, I. R. W., Ardiansyah, R., Saputri, D. Y., & Adi, F. P. (2021). Analysis of Digital Literacy Skills of Grade VI Elementary School Students in Online Science Learning. Proceeding of The 5th International Conference on Learning Innovation and Quality Education. https://doi.org/10.1145/3516875.3516938
Boluk, K. A., Cavaliere, C. T., & Duffy, L. N. (2019). A Pedagogical Framework for the Development of the Critical Tourism Citizen. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(7), 865–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1615928
Carpenter, D., Cloude, E., Rowe, J., Azevedo, R., & Lester, J. (2021). Investigating Student Reflection during Game-Based Learning in Middle Grades Science. International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference. https://doi.org/10.1145/3448139.344816
Chizary, F., & Farhangi, A. (2017). Efficiency of Educational Games on Mathematics Learning of Students at Second Grade of Primary School. Journal of History Culture and Art Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.7596/taksad.v6i1.738
Cong, L., & Ironsi, C. S. (2025). Integrating Mobile Learning and Problem-Based Learning in Improving Students Action Competence in Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05397-4
Dashtestani, R., & Hojatpanah, S. (2022). Digital Literacy of EFL Students in a Junior High School in Iran: Voices of Teachers, Students and Ministry Directors. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(4), 635–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1744664
Giri, V., & Paily, M. U. (2020). Effect of Scientific Argumentation on the Development of Critical Thinking. Science & Education, 29(3), 673–690. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-020-00120-y
González-Pérez, L. I., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2022). Components of Education 4.0 in 21st Century Skills Frameworks. Systematic Review. Sustainability, 14(3), 1493. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031493
Gretter, S., & Yadav, A. (2016). Computational Thinking and Media & Information Literacy: An Integrated Approach to Teaching Twenty-First Century Skills. TechTrends, 60(5), 510–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0098-4
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004
Hanzlová, R., & Kudrnáč, A. (2024). Developing Critical Thinking Test for Adolescents: A Validity and Reliability Study from the Czech Republic. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 53(101613). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101613
Hidayati, Y., & Sinaga, P. (2019). The Profile of Critical Thinking Skills Students on Science Learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1402(4). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1402/4/044075
Ismail, N. S., Harun, J., Zakaria, M. A. Z. M., & Salleh, S. M. (2018). The Effect of Mobile Problem-Based Learning Application DicScience PBL on Students’ Critical Thinking. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 28, 177–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2018.04.002
Jumadi, J., Sunarno, W., & Aminah, N. S. (2018). Pengembangan Modul Ipa Berbasis Keterampilan Proses Sains Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik Kelas Vii Smp Pada Materi Kalor. INKUIRI: Jurnal Pendidikan IPA, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.20961/inkuiri.v7i2.22986
Lestari, T., Hidayah, P. P., & Rachman, I. F. (2024). Peran Teknologi Digital Dalam Meningkatkan Literasi Digital Menuju Pendidikan Berkualitas Perspektif SDGs 2030. Jurnal Ilmiah Research Student, 1(5), 282–90. https://doi.org/10.61722/jirs.v1i5.1351
Lohr, A., Stadler, M., Schultz-Pernice, F., Chernikova, O., Sailer, M., Fischer, F., & Sailer, M. (2021). On Powerpointers, Clickerers, and Digital Pros: Investigating the Initiation of Digital Learning Activities by Teachers in Higher Education. Computers in Human Behavior, 119(106715). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106715
Mabsutsah, N., Hariyadi, S., & Prihatin, J. (2023). The Readiness of Science Teachers to Implement Differentiated Learning and Integrated STEM in Ecology Subject of the ‘Merdeka’ Curriculum in Junior High School. BIOEDUKASI, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.19184/bioedu.v21i2.39567
Peña-Ayala, A. (2021). A Learning Design Cooperative Framework to Instill 21st Century Education. Telematics and Informatics, 62(101632). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2021.101632
Putri, N. M., Listiawati, W., & Rachman, I. F. (2024). Pengaruh Literasi Digital Terhadap Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Dalam Konteks SDGS 2030. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Indonesia (JPPI), 1(3), 349–60. https://doi.org/10.62017/jppi.v1i3.1208
Rahmah, L., Purwanta, E., Wijayanti, W., & Suhardiman, S. (2024). Navigating the Curriculum Landscape: The Impact of Curriculum 2013 and Merdeka Curriculum on Teachers’ and Students’ Learning Outcomes in Indonesia. Journal of Ecohumanism, 3(6), 917–31. https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v3i6.4061
Rahmaniar, A. (2022). The Analyzing of Science Teachers Perception of Integrating STEM Education into the National Curriculum in Indonesia. India: Ghaziabad.
Rasmitadila, R., Aliyyah, R. R., Rachmadtullah, R., Samsudin, A., Syaodih, E., Nurtanto, M., & Tambunan, A. R. S. (2020). The Perceptions of Primary School Teachers of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period: A Case Study in Indonesia. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 90–109. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/388
Santos-Meneses, L. F., Pashchenko, T., & Mikhailova, A. (2023). Critical Thinking in the Context of Adult Learning through PBL and E-Learning: A Course Framework. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 49(101358). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101358
Sari, D. S., & Sugiyarto, K. H. (2015). Pengembangan multimedia berbasis masalah untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar dan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA, 1(2), 153–166. https://doi.org/10.21831/jipi.v1i2.7501
Sauvé, S., Bernard, S., & Sloan, P. (2016). Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy: Alternative Concepts for Trans-Disciplinary Research. Environmental Development, 17, 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2015.09.002
Shutaleva, A. (2023). Ecological Culture and Critical Thinking: Building of a Sustainable Future. Sustainability, 15(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813492
Son, M., & Ha, M. (2025). Development of a Digital Literacy Measurement Tool for Middle and High School Students in the Context of Scientific Practice. Education and Information Technologies, 30(4), 4583–4606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12999-z
Straková, Z., & Cimermanová, I. (2018). Critical Thinking Development—A Necessary Step in Higher Education Transformation towards Sustainability. Sustainability, 10(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103366
Susanto, T. T. D., Dwiyanti, P. B., Marini, A., Sagita, J., Safitri, D., & Soraya, E. (2022). E-Book with Problem Based Learning to Improve Student Critical Thinking in Science Learning at Elementary School. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 16(20). https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i20.32951
Tawfik, A. A., Gishbaugher, J. J., Gatewood, J., & Arrington, T. L. (2021). How K-12 Teachers Adapt Problem-Based Learning Over Time. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v15i1.29662
Wardani, I. S., & Widodo, A. (2024). The Effect of Smartphones Media to Improve Critical Thinking Skills Student of Elementary School. 10(2), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i2.3346
Widiyawati, Y., Nurwahidah, I., Sari, D. S., Masykuri, M., & Budiyanto, C. W. (2021). The 21 St Century Science Learning: HOTS and Digital Literacy among Junior High School Students in Semarang, Indonesia. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1842(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1842/1/012081
Yang, H., Xu, F., Kang, C., Liang, Z., & Chen, H. (2025). Construction and Application of a Project-Based Learning Mode for the Development of Computational Thinking in Junior High School. 16th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management and E-Learning (IC4e). https://doi.org/10.1109/IC4e65071.2025.11075441
Yuliana, I. F., Faizah, F., Fatayah, F., & Priyasmika, R. (2024). Students’ Critical Thinking Skills Using HOTS-Based Assessment on pH Calculation. AIP Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0215096
Zarzycki, R. (2025). Critical Thinking as a Key to Competence Building in Sustainable Development. In W. L. Filho, B. G. Rebelatto, A. Annelin, & G.-O. Boström (Eds.), Competence Building in Sustainable Development, World Sustainability Series (pp. 357–77). Springer Nature Switzerland.
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Indri Nurwahidah, Yeni Widiyawati, Dwi Septiana Sari
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
