Using GPS-Based Learning Media to Improve Understanding of Map Concepts in Geography Lessons in the Independent Curriculum in Middle Schools in Aceh Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35870/ijecs.v4i3.3594Keywords:
Learning Media, GPS, Map Concepts, Geography, Independent CurriculumAbstract
The concept of maps in geography reflects the desire of humanity to find out about the earth in space, orientation, physically and symbolically. As much as you try to innovate in teaching, the ability to connect theory with real world experiences students are often a struggle. Research and Development (R&D) In this study using Borg and Gall models to produce GPS -based learning media for students' understanding of the map concept. 35 students in the eighth grade, we have observed at SMP 2 Idi Timur, East Aceh facing clear challenges through map induction using traditional methods. The media produced include interactive maps, coordinate reading exercises, and activities to find real world places that make concrete geographical theory. Expert validation scores have above 90 (very valid categories), while student assessment increases (30-35%) from pretest results to post-test. GPS -based media does not only work cognitively; It works experimentally to provide significant learning, a good type of student finds their daily lives. This strategy harmonized theory with practice in the context of the independent curriculum framework, with students as active translators from geographical information instead of passive consumers. This study formulated a model where programming is not only a technical tool but also a link that connects the digital world with spatial structured reality, which ultimately contributes to sustainable development from the geographical literacy of high school students.
Downloads
References
Agnew, D. C. (2007). Before PBO: An overview of continuous strain and tilt measurements in the United States. Journal of the Geodetic Society of Japan, 53(2), 157–182.
Alhamuddin, A., Inten, D. N., Mulyani, D., Suganda, A. D., Juhji, J., Prachagool, V., & Nuangchalerm, P. (2023). Multiple intelligence-based differential learning on critical thinking skills of higher education students. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 10(8), 132–139. https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2023.08.015
Champlin, C., Sirenko, M., & Comes, T. (2023). Measuring social resilience in cities: An exploratory spatio-temporal analysis of activity routines in urban spaces during Covid-19. Cities, 135, 104220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2023.104220
DaCosta, B., & Kinsell, C. (2023). Serious Games in Cultural Heritage: A Review of Practices and Considerations in the Design of Location-Based Games. Education Sciences, 13(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13010047
Duarte, L., Teodoro, A. C., & Gonçalves, H. (2022). Evaluation of Spatial Thinking Ability Based on Exposure to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Concepts in the Context of Higher Education. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 11(8), 417. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi11080417
Escuenta, M., Quan, V., Nickow, A. J., & Oreopoulos, P. (2017). Education Technology: An Evidence-Based Review (NBER Working Paper No. 23744). National Bureau of Economic Research.
Handoyo, B., Purwanto, Ridha, S., & Tan, G. C. I. (2024). Effect of The Spatial Based Learning Using Quantum Geographic Information System on Students' Critical Thinking Skills. Social Studies, 15(5), 328–379.
Isroani, F., Jaafar, N., & Muflihaini, M. (2022). Effectiveness of E-Learning Learning to Improve Student Learning Outcomes at Madrasah Aliyah. International Journal of Science Education and Cultural Studies, 1(1), 42–51. https://doi.org/10.58291/ijsecs.v1i1.26
Jadallah, M., Hund, A. M., Thayn, J. B., Studebaker, J. G., Roman, Z. J., & Kirby, E. (2017). Integrating Geospatial Technologies in Fifth Grade Curriculum: Impact on Spatial Ability and Map Analysis Skills. Journal of Geography, 116(4), 139-151.
Jamaludin, D. A., & Henderi, H. (2024). Development of Android Application-Based E-Learning Learning Media Using the Borg and Gall Method. JINAV: Journal of Information and Visualization, 5(1). https://jpabdimas.idjournal.eu/index.php/jinav/article/view/2915
Keefe, R. F., Wempe, A. M., Becker, R. M., Zimbelman, E. G., Nagler, E. S., Gilbert, S. L., & Caudill, C. C. (2019). Positioning methods and the use of location and activity data in forests. Forests, 10(5), 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/f10050458
Kerski, J. J. (2008). The role of GIS in digital earth education. International Journal of Digital Earth, 1(4), 326–346. https://doi.org/10.1080/17538940802420879
Konecny, M. (2011). Cartography: Challenges and potential in the virtual geographic environments era. Annals of GIS, 17(3), 135–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/19475683.2011.602027
Kustyarini, K., Utami, S., & Koesmijati, E. (2020). The Importance of Interactive Learning Media in a New Civilization Era. European Journal of Open Education and E-Learning Studies, 5(2), 48–60. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejoe.v5i2.3298
Lusiana, B., & Maryanti, R. (2020). The Effectiveness of Learning Media Used During Online Learning. Media Pendidikan, Gizi, Dan Kuliner, 9(2), 81–92. https://doi.org/10.17509/boga.v9i2.38379
Manakane, S. E., Latue, P. C., & Rakuasa, H. (2023). Integrating Geospatial Technology in Learning: An Innovation to Improve Understanding of Geography Concepts. Sinergi International Journal of Education, 1(2), 60–74. https://doi.org/10.61194/education.v1i2.70
Manuscipt, A. (2023). Evaluation of story maps by future geography teachers [Accepted manuscript].
Mariati, M., Abbas, E. W., & Mutiani, M. (2021). The Social Science Contribution Through Social Studies Learning. The Innovation of Social Studies Journal, 2(2), 110. https://doi.org/10.20527/iis.v2i2.3051
Nugroho, N., Solihatin, E., & Ibrahim, N. (2024). Flipped Classroom and Collaborative Learning Model and Its Effectiveness: Research and Development. Journal of Education, 10, 371–376.
Puspitarini, Y. D., & Hanif, M. (2019). Using Learning Media to Increase Learning Motivation in Elementary School. Anatolian Journal of Education, 4(2), 53–60. https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2019.426a
Qolbi, W. H. I. (2023). Implementing Merdeka Curriculum to Improve [Unpublished manuscript].
Rahma, M. (2024). Choreography Teaching Module Design (With The Borg And Gall Approach). International Conference of Business, Economics and Natural Sciences, 1(1), 359–368. https://journal.conference.umpalopo.ac.id/index.php/icbens/article/view/40
Salminen, J., Kandpal, C., Kamel, A. M., Jung, S. G., & Jansen, B. J. (2022). Creating and detecting fake reviews of online products. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 64, 102771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102771
Sudarta. (2022). The efficiency of using visual learning media in improving the understanding of science concepts in elementary school students. Journal of Education, 16(1), 1–23.
Syazwani, C. J. N., Wahab, N. H. A., Sunar, N., Ariffin, S. H. S., Wong, K. Y., & Aun, Y. (2022). Indoor Positioning System: A Review. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 13(6), 477–490. https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2022.0130659
Taki, H. M., & Sunandar, E. (2021). Physical geography in planning an Indonesia's new capital towards integrated tropical city. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 737(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/737/1/012007
Wedding, L. M., Pittman, S. J., Lepczyk, C. A., Parrain, C., Puniwai, N., Boyle, J. S., Goldberg, E. G., Young, M., Marty, P., Wilhelm, K., Taylor, S., & Crowder, L. B. (2024). Integrating the multiple perspectives of people and nature in place-based marine spatial planning. Npj Ocean Sustainability, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-024-00071-9
Zhang, A. G., Chen, Y., & Oney, S. (2023). VizProg: Identifying Misunderstandings By Visualizing Students' Coding Progress. In Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings (Vol. 1, Issue 1). Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3544548.3581516.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal Education and Computer Studies (IJECS)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
1. Copyright Retention and Open Access License
Authors retain copyright of their work and grant the journal non-exclusive right of first publication under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
This license allows unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
2. Rights Granted Under CC BY 4.0
Under this license, readers are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, including commercial use
- No additional restrictions — the licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as license terms are followed
3. Attribution Requirements
All uses must include:
- Proper citation of the original work
- Link to the Creative Commons license
- Indication if changes were made to the original work
- No suggestion that the licensor endorses the user or their use
4. Additional Distribution Rights
Authors may:
- Deposit the published version in institutional repositories
- Share through academic social networks
- Include in books, monographs, or other publications
- Post on personal or institutional websites
Requirement: All additional distributions must maintain the CC BY 4.0 license and proper attribution.
5. Self-Archiving and Pre-Print Sharing
Authors are encouraged to:
- Share pre-prints and post-prints online
- Deposit in subject-specific repositories (e.g., arXiv, bioRxiv)
- Engage in scholarly communication throughout the publication process
6. Open Access Commitment
This journal provides immediate open access to all content, supporting the global exchange of knowledge without financial, legal, or technical barriers.