Effectiveness of Using Ruang Guru as Learning Media on Student Understanding at Lessons

Abstract

Introduction

The main objective of Ruang Guru is to support teachers in providing high-quality learning assets in an accessible way. Ruang Guru serves as a platform that enhances conventional learning strategies, allowing teachers to be more proactive in providing intelligent guidance and materials. This creates a more interactive classroom environment, encouraging students to actively engage in the learning process. By utilizing Ruang Guru, instructors can design more engaging and effective learning activities, reinforce lessons, provide additional practice, and evaluate student understanding in real-time. Thus, the platform not only improves student learning outcomes but also assists teachers in identifying and addressing learning gaps more effectively.

In the context of learning, a comparison between Ruang Guru online and offline classes shows the advantages of each method. Offline classes offer direct interaction between students and teachers, allowing for quick feedback and building a sense of community. However, geographical and schedule limitations remain a challenge. In contrast, Ruang Guru provides greater flexibility; students can access learning materials anytime and anywhere, greatly benefiting those with busy schedules or who live in remote areas. The platform also allows personalization of the learning experience, where students can learn at their own pace with the support of engaging interactive content.

The effectiveness of using Ruang Guru has been proven through various studies. For example, research by Manuhuruapon et al. (2024) showed that the use of Ruang Guru significantly increased students' interest in learning in subjects such as Pancasila and Civic Education. Another study by Toruan et al. (2022) found that Ruang Guru app serves as an effective communication medium in online tutoring among high school students in Medan, showing better levels of engagement and academic achievement compared to traditional methods. Damayani and Harsono's (2021) findings also highlighted the significant improvement in academic achievement of high-achieving students when using Ruang Guru compared to conventional methods.

The significance of using Ruang Guru in classroom activities is huge. By incorporating this technology into teaching practices, teachers can create learning experiences that are more dynamic and responsive to students' needs. The interactions that occur through this platform not only enrich the learning process but also build important skills such as problem-solving and collaboration. Thus, Ruang Guru is not only a teaching tool but also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of quality education and equal access to education for all students.

The significance of the study on the effectiveness of Ruang Guru lies in its potential to transform educational practices and enhance learning outcomes for both students and teachers. As an innovative online platform, Ruang Guru provides teachers with the tools necessary to create high-quality, accessible learning materials that cater to diverse student needs. This study aims to evaluate how effectively Ruang Guru can bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern educational demands, particularly in fostering student engagement and improving academic performance.

Method

The primary method employed in this study is a review of related literature. This approach involves analyzing existing research and studies that evaluate the effectiveness of Ruang Guru as a learning medium. By synthesizing findings from various academic sources, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Ruang Guru influences student engagement and academic performance.

FINDING AND DISCUSSION

Ruang Guru has cemented its status as a leading educational technology platform in Indonesia, offering an extensive collection of learning resources and interactive digital content designed to meet the diverse needs of students across various educational levels, from elementary to senior high school. The platform's key strengths lie in its flexibility and accessibility, enabling students to engage with educational materials at their own convenience, a feature particularly advantageous for those with demanding schedules or residing in remote areas (Toruan et al., 2022).

The integration of Ruang Guru into the educational process markedly enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. The platform's interactive and multimedia rich content is instrumental in sustaining student interest and fostering a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Compared to traditional offline learning methods, Ruang Guru provides a more personalized and engaging educational experience, tailored to individual learning styles and paces research conducted by Toruan et al. (2022), published in the Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), highlights the effectiveness of the Ruang Guru application as a communication medium in online tutoring among high school students in Medan. The study found that students utilizing Ruang Guru exhibited significantly higher engagement levels and improved academic performance compared to their counterparts who relied exclusively on traditional learning methods. This research underscores the crucial role of Ruang Guru's interactive features in enhancing student motivation and participation.

Additionally, a comprehensive study by Damayani and Harsono (2021) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta provided compelling evidence that high performing students using Ruang Guru experienced substantial improvements in their academic achievements. The study emphasized the importance of the platform's interactive and multimedia content in aiding student comprehension and retention of information. The findings suggest that Ruang Guru is particularly effective in supporting students' learning processes by making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. Moreover, research by Manuhuruapon et al. (2024) in the Tumoutou Social Science Journal indicated that Ruang Guru significantly increased student interest in learning, particularly in subjects such as Pancasila and Citizenship Education. This study emphasized the positive impact of Ruang Guru's interactive features on maintaining students' interest and improving their understanding of the material. The findings highlight the platform's potential to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment, thereby contributing to improved educational outcomes.

One illustrative example is Siti, a high school student from SMA N 1 Baturetno, who reported that using Ruang Guru made learning more enjoyable and less monotonous. She found the animated videos and interactive quizzes particularly beneficial in understanding difficult subjects. This anecdote is supported by the experiences of other high performing students at SMA N 1 Baturetno, who consistently used Ruang Guru for their studies and demonstrated significant grade improvements. These students outperformed their peers in exams, showcasing the platform's effectiveness in enhancing academic performance. Furthermore, a group of high school students in Medan who used Ruang Guru for online tutoring sessions reported that the platform was highly engaging and noted considerable improvements in their academic performance. The interactive content and personalized learning paths provided by Ruang Guru were particularly effective in aiding their understanding of complex concepts and maintaining their motivation throughout their studies (Toruan 2022).

The evidence from these studies and examples substantiates the effectiveness of Ruang Guru in enhancing the educational experience for high school students. The platform's innovative approach to content delivery, which integrates animation and interactivity, keeps students engaged and motivated to learn. The flexibility and accessibility of Ruang Guru make it an invaluable resource for students, especially those in remote or underserved areas. By incorporating Ruang Guru into classroom activities, educators can create a more dynamic and supportive learning environment. The platform's resources not only supplement traditional teaching methods but also offer personalized learning paths that cater to individual student needs. This holistic approach to education aids in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, preparing students for future academic and professional challenges. The adoption of Ruang Guru as a learning medium demonstrates significant promise in improving student comprehension and performance, emphasizing the importance of embracing technological innovations in education to foster a more inclusive and effective learning experience.

The evidence provided by Toruan et al. (2022) and Damayani and Harsono (2021) supports the notion that Ruang Guru's interactive features are essential in maintaining student interest and enhancing academic performance. These features include animated videos, interactive quizzes, and personalized learning paths, which collectively contribute to a more engaging and effective learning environment. Furthermore, the findings by Manuhuruapon et al. (2024) underscore the platform's potential to increase student interest in learning, particularly in subjects that are typically challenging to engage with, such as Pancasila and Citizenship Education. integration of Ruang Guru into the educational process has shown significant promise in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. The platform's innovative and interactive approach to content delivery, coupled with its flexibility and accessibility, makes it an invaluable tool for educators and students alike. By adopting Ruang Guru as a learning medium, educators can create a more dynamic and effective learning environment, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes and preparing students for future academic and professional success.

In summary, the evidence from these studies supports the conclusion that Ruang Guru serves as an effective educational technology platform, significantly enhancing student engagement, improving academic performance, and providing a flexible learning environment tailored to individual needs. The platform's innovative features play a crucial role in fostering a more dynamic and inclusive educational experience for students across various levels of education.

Conclusion

Ruang Guru has emerged as a transformative educational technology platform in Indonesia, significantly enhancing the learning experience for students across various educational levels. The platform's primary strengths lie in its flexibility, accessibility, and interactive content, which collectively foster greater student engagement and improve academic performance. Research indicates that Ruang Guru not only facilitates personalized learning experiences but also effectively addresses the diverse needs of students, particularly those in remote areas or with demanding schedules.

The findings from multiple studies demonstrate that students using Ruang Guru exhibit increased interest in subjects traditionally perceived as challenging, such as Pancasila and Citizenship Education. The integration of multimedia resources, including animated videos and interactive quizzes, has proven instrumental in maintaining student motivation and aiding comprehension of complex concepts.

The incorporation of Ruang Guru into educational practices represents a significant advancement in promoting quality education and equal access for all students. By leveraging technology to create dynamic learning environments, educators can better support student needs, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and preparing learners for future challenges. The ongoing adoption of Ruang Guru signifies a commitment to embracing innovative teaching methods that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering inclusive and effective education.

Reference

Agung, S., & Bahriah, E. S. (2022). Analysis of Ruangguru as the Online Learning Media on Chemistry Learning. Journal of Educational Chemistry (JEC), 4(1), 67-78.

Damayani, A., & Harsono, S. U. (2021). Penggunaan Aplikasi Ruangguru Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Online Bagi Siswa Unggul SMAN 1 Baturetno (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta).

Manuhuruapon, J., Toganti, N., & Biringan, J. (2024). Aplikasi pendidikan online “ruang guru” sebagai peningkatan minat belajar generasi milenial dalam pembelajaran pendidikan pancasila dan kewarganegaraan. Tumoutou Social Science Journal, 1(1), 8–14.

Rahmadani, N. S., & Setiawati, M. (2019). Aplikasi pendidikan online “ruang guru” sebagai peningkatan minat belajar generasi milenial dalam menyikapi perkembangan revolusi industri 4.0. Bahastra: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, 3(2), 241-246.

Toruan, R. M. L. L., Asmara, S., & Zulkarnain, I. (2022). Effectiveness of Ruangguru Application as Communication Medium in Online Tutoring among HighSchool Students in Medan. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 5(1), 899-908.