Needs Analysis for the Development of Culturally Themed EComic Media to Enhance Elementary School Students' Numeracy Skills

Technology-based learning media, such as e-comics, have great potential to attract students' interest in learning, thereby enhancing their numeracy skills. However, e-comics specifically designed to improve elementary school students' numeracy skills, especially those integrating local cultural elements, remain limited. This study aims to conduct a needs analysis for developing culturally nuanced e-comics as a learning medium to enhance students' numeracy skills. The research employs a developmental research method using the ADDIE approach, which in this study is limited to the analysis and design stages. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and questionnaires, then analyzed qualitatively. The subjects of this study consisted of 148 fourth-grade students and five elementary school teachers. The findings indicate that student’s need media that can help them understand learning materials in an interactive and relevant way, particularly in mathematics related to data management. In addition, teachers expressed the need for innovative media that can bridge abstract mathematical concepts with real-life contexts familiar to students. The integration of local cultural elements not only provides contextual learning experiences but also fosters cultural awareness among students. The use of e-comics with cultural contexts is expected to increase students' learning interest, motivation, and engagement, thereby having positive potential to improve elementary school students' numeracy skills. These findings serve as a foundation for the design and development of interactive, culturally responsive digital comics in future stages.