Digital Comics of Folktales as Learning Media to Strengthen Elementary School Students’ Ecoliteracy

This study explored students’ perceptions in understanding ecological values through digital comics of folktales. This study was important because early environmental education played a major role in shaping students’ awareness of environmental conservation. Through digital comics, ecological messages could be accepted and understood easier by children. Folktale-based digital comics can be alternative media which is effective in instilling environmental awareness and introducing local wisdoms that were in line with ecological principles. This study utilized a questionnaire survey to collect data from elementary school students. This data aimed to present substantial evidence regarding the effectiveness of folktale-based digital comics in increasing environmental awareness. The results of this study indicated that the use of folktale-based digital comics as media to strengthen elementary school students’ ecoliteracy was very effective in increasing their understandings on environmental issues. This media conveyed ecoliteracy messages and introduced local wisdoms that were relevant to ecology. Students’ positive responses showed that folktale-based digital comic was able to strengthen environmental awareness and local wisdom easily and enjoyable. The global implication of this study was as an effort for the environmental sustainability movement and disaster mitigation efforts.