Pemanfaatan Virtual Lab Sebagai AlternatifPraktikum IPA

Abstract

This community service activity aims to improve teachers' abilities in utilizing the Virtual Laboratory (Virtual Lab) as an alternative to science practicum in elementary schools/madrasah ibtidaiyah. The main problem faced by teachers at the elementary level is the limited laboratory facilities and adequate science teaching aids. This has an impact on students' low experimental experience and less than optimal inquiry-based learning. Through intensive training and mentoring activities, teachers are introduced to various Virtual Lab platforms such as PhET, Crocodile Physics, and LabXchange which enable the implementation of digital experiments interactively and cheaply. Methods for implementing activities include the preparation stage, workshop implementation, direct practice, and implementation assistance in the classroom. The results of the activity show a significant increase in teacher competence in designing virtual experiment-based learning and increased student motivation in participating in science activities. This training also produces products in the form of Virtual Lab-based RPPs and LKPD. It is hoped that this activity will become a model for teacher professional development based on educational technology in the digital era and can be replicated in madrasas in other regions.