Surakarta, May 7th, 2025– A new educational initiative aims to enhance scientific explanation and entrepreneurial skills among students through the innovative use of virtual reality (VR) technology. This development is part of a thesis proposal seminar titled ‘Development of Virtual Reality Health in Our Hands: A Case of Diabetes Based on STEMpreneur Model’ by Adha Nisfatulsanah, a graduate student at the Master of Biology Education program at Universitas Sebelas Maret.
The thesis, supervised by Dr. Muzzazinah, M.Si., Murni Ramli, S.P., M.Si., Ed.D., and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pratchayapong Yasri, focuses on empowering students to make scientific explanations and develop entrepreneurial skills. The seminar also included examiners Dr. Bowo Sugiharto, S.Pd., M.Pd. who evaluated the innovative approach to integrating STEM education with VR.
Background and Motivation: Indonesia’s performance in scientific literacy, as measured by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), has highlighted a persistent need for improvement. Despite gradual progress, Indonesian students continue to face challenges in applying scientific knowledge to real-world contexts and conducting simple experimental designs. According to OECD data from 2023, the country’s students struggle with basic procedural knowledge required for scientific explanation and data interpretation.
Adha Nisfatulsanah’s research addresses this gap by integrating VR technology into the STEMpreneur model, allowing students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This approach aims to make scientific concepts more tangible and relatable, promoting deeper understanding and innovative thinking.
The thesis proposal marks a significant step in re-imagining education through technology, potentially setting a precedent for similar educational models across the region.
