Enhancing classification skills using i-bird apps in zoology vertebrata course

Abstract

Smartphone applications are developing so rapidly with increasingly sophisticated features. However, smartphone applications widely used to fulfill social needs rather than being used to support learning. The classification skills are essential possessed by students to facilitate the learning of various species. By integrating technology, students expected to be able to have good classification skills. This study aims to improve the classification ability of prospective biology teacher students by using the i-Bird application in the Zoology Vertebrate course. The i-Bird application designed and created specifically for studying Aves. This study uses a quasi-experimental method with a randomized control group pretest and posttest design. Involving 82 students divided into two groups. 44 students as an experimental class using the i-Bird app on smartphones (SA) and 38 students as a control class using a bird's guidebook (GB). The results showed the classification ability of SA students (N-gain =0.54), and GB (N-gain = 0.44) showed a significant increase in the medium category. The parametric test using a t-test (p-value =.038) showed a significant difference between SA and GB. Thus it can be concluded that technological progress can be used in learning if it is well designed. Implications of smartphone applications can develop in future learning, of course, must be designed according to needs.