Needs Analysis: AR as an Innovative Learning Media Solution for Elementary School Students

This study aims to identify the need for the development of Augmented Reality (AR)-based learning media as an innovative solution in elementary school learning. The needs analysis method was conducted using a mixed methods approach through questionnaires and interviews with 103 students and 5 teachers. The data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively to obtain a comprehensive picture of instructional needs. The results showed that student needs were in the high category, with a percentage of 80.64%-85.30%. The socio-cultural aspect was the highest need (85.30%), followed by the pedagogical and technical aspects, while the cognitive aspect had the lowest value (80.64%). In the analysis of teacher needs, all aspects also showed a high category with a range of 77%-92%. The socio-cultural aspect was the most dominant (92%), while the aesthetic aspect had the lowest score (77%) but was still in the good category. The results of the media needs analysis show a range of 80%-85%, with the Cognitive and Aesthetic aspects obtaining the highest scores (85%), while the Pedagogical, Technical, and Evaluation aspects are at 80%. In terms of instructional design needs, the percentage results ranged from 80% to 86%, with the Pedagogical aspect being the highest (86%) and Aesthetics the lowest (80%). The research conclusion confirms that AR-based media has great potential for application because all aspects of the requirements are in the high category. AR is considered capable of increasing student motivation, conceptual understanding, and active engagement, as well as supporting more interesting, contextual learning that is in line with the demands of the Merdeka Curriculum.