HeRoBo: A Robotics Game Concept Using Recycled Materials to Develop Early Childhood Awareness
Abstract
Abstrak
Perkembangan teknologi dan kesadaran lingkungan sejak usia dini menjadi isu penting dalam pendidikan anak usia dini (PAUD). Namun, ketersediaan media pembelajaran robotika yang aman, ekonomis, dan ramah lingkungan di PAUD masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan prototipe permainan robotika berbahan daur ulang, yang disebut HeRoBo (Heritage Recycle Robot), untuk membangun kepekaan anak terhadap teknologi dan lingkungan. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan Research and Development (R&D) melalui tahapan analisis kebutuhan, perancangan prototipe, uji coba awal, revisi, dan evaluasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa prototipe HeRoBo dapat dirakit oleh anak dengan bantuan minimal serta mampu mendorong kreativitas, kemampuan berpikir kritis, pemecahan masalah, dan kesadaran ekologis. Anak menunjukkan kemampuan mengenali dan memilih bahan daur ulang, membedakan material organik dan nonorganik, serta mengeksplorasi berbagai konfigurasi robot secara kreatif. Interaksi langsung dengan prototipe memberikan pengalaman belajar yang konkret, interaktif, dan aplikatif sesuai prinsip STEM Education for Young Learners untuk pembelajar usia dini. Implikasi penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa HeRoBo berpotensi menjadi alternatif media pembelajaran inovatif berbasis STEM yang berkelanjutan, berbiaya rendah, dan mudah diimplementasikan di PAUD, sekaligus mendukung penguatan pendidikan lingkungan dan literasi teknologi sejak usia dini. Kesimpulannya, HeRoBo efektif mengintegrasikan teknologi, kreativitas, dan pendidikan lingkungan secara holistik dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini.
Kata kunci: Anak Usia Dini, Bahan Daur Ulang, HeRoBo, Robotika
Abstract
The development of technology and environmental awareness from an early age are important issues in early childhood education (PAUD). However, the availability of safe, economical, and environmentally friendly robotics learning media in PAUD is still limited. This study aims to develop a prototype of a robotics game made from recycled materials, called HeRoBo (Heritage Recycle Robot), to build children's sensitivity to technology and the environment. The research method uses a Research and Development (R&D) approach through the stages of needs analysis, prototype design, initial trials, revisions, and evaluation. The results show that the HeRoBo prototype can be assembled by children with minimal assistance and is able to encourage creativity, critical thinking skills, problem solving, and ecological awareness. Children demonstrated the ability to recognize and select recycled materials, differentiate organic and non-organic materials, and creatively explore various robot configurations. Direct interaction with the prototype provides a concrete, interactive, and applicable learning experience according to STEM Education for Young Learners principles for early learners. The implications of this research indicate that HeRoBo has the potential to be an alternative, innovative, STEM-based learning medium that is sustainable, low-cost, and easy to implement in early childhood education, while also supporting the strengthening of environmental education and technological literacy from an early age. In conclusion, HeRoBo effectively integrates technology, creativity, and environmental education holistically into early childhood learning.
Keywords: Early Childhood, HeRoBo, Recycled Materials, Robotics
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