VISUAL NARRATIVE DESIGN OF SIMULATION ABOUT THE ROLE OF BACTERIA IN HUMAN DIGESTION SYSTEM THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITY FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

• Main Author: Almira Rahma, Anggi
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/46366
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Subject matter about bacteria in the human digestive system is one of the chapters in Biology class for 8th grade in Junior High School. However, students have difficulty in understanding the shape and mechanism of bacteria because of their invisible cell and can only be seen through a microscope. Meanwhile, based on government regulations, the use of laboratory for microorganism testing for junior high school students is not permitted because it can endanger students. As a result, junior high school students' understanding of bacteria is inaccurate. The purpose of this study is to design content that is suitable for junior high school students based on national curriculum and input from biological science expert by utilizing VR technology and visual narrative. The method of approach used in this research is based on design thinking that includes empathize, define, ideate, prototyping, and user testing. The design of visual narratives in the form of VR-based simulations about bacteria is a problemsolving concept in this study that can provide more concrete insights with more immersive experiences, so students more easily understand the shape and mechanism of bacteria. Through the advantages of VR and the approach of aspects of visual narrative elements that include clarity, realism, dynamism, and continuity, the spatial dimension of the simulated role of bacteria becomes real. This is not found in other learning media about bacteria for middle school students at this time. Immersive impressions arise from the experience of space and time in the virtual world. The result of user testing is visual narrative through VR-based simulations of bacteria in the digestive system can make junior high school students become more focused in receiving learning material. Simulation through VR media has the value of usefulness both for junior high school students and teachers. Students get a real picture through virtual reality that is presented through VR media, so that material about bacteria is no longer an abstract thing that cannot be imagined by students. While the teacher can simulate the role of bacteria by using space and time more effectively than using other learning media.