Integrating Technology into Islamic Religious Education: The Impact of a Nearpod-Based REACT Model on Students’ Learning Outcomes

Abstract

This study addresses the low learning outcomes of students in Islamic Religious Education and Character Education at SMP Negeri 1 Jati Agung, particularly in the development of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). Teacher-centered instructional practices have limited student engagement and hindered the optimal development of critical thinking skills. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the Nearpod-based REACT learning model (Relating, Experiencing, Applying, Cooperating, and Transferring) on students' learning outcomes. This research employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental method with a post-test-only control group design. Class VII B served as the control group and received expository instruction, while Class VII A served as the experimental group and was taught using the Nearpod-based REACT learning model. The research instrument was tested for validity, reliability, difficulty level, and discriminating power. Data were analyzed using normality, homogeneity, Mann–Whitney, and independent-samples t-tests. The findings revealed a significant difference between the two groups, with students in the experimental class achieving higher learning outcomes than those in the control class (Mann–Whitney Sig. = 0.014; t-test Sig. = 0.039). These results indicate that integrating the REACT model with Nearpod creates a more contextual, interactive, and effective learning environment for fostering HOTS. The study contributes empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Nearpod-based REACT model in Islamic Religious Education and Character Education. It is recommended that educators adopt this model as an innovative instructional alternative, while future studies should investigate its effectiveness across different educational levels, subject areas, and larger sample populations.

Penelitian ini membahas rendahnya hasil belajar peserta didik pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Budi Pekerti di SMP Negeri 1 Jati Agung, khususnya dalam pengembangan keterampilan berpikir tingkat tinggi (Higher Order Thinking Skills/HOTS). Pembelajaran yang masih berpusat pada guru menyebabkan peserta didik kurang aktif dan belum optimal dalam mengembangkan kemampuan berpikir kritis. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengaruh model pembelajaran REACT (Relating, Experiencing, Applying, Cooperating, dan Transferring) berbasis Nearpod terhadap hasil belajar peserta didik. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan desain quasi-eksperimen tipe post-test only control group design. Kelas VII B sebagai kelas kontrol menggunakan pembelajaran ekspositori, sedangkan Kelas VII A sebagai kelas eksperimen menerapkan model REACT berbasis Nearpod. Instrumen penelitian telah memenuhi uji validitas, reliabilitas, tingkat kesukaran, dan daya pembeda. Analisis data dilakukan melalui uji normalitas, homogenitas, Mann–Whitney, dan independent sample t-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perbedaan yang signifikan antara kedua kelompok, dengan peserta didik pada kelas eksperimen memperoleh hasil belajar lebih tinggi dibandingkan kelas kontrol (Mann–Whitney Sig. = 0,014; t-test Sig. = 0,039). Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa integrasi model REACT dengan Nearpod mampu menciptakan pembelajaran yang lebih kontekstual, interaktif, dan efektif dalam mengembangkan HOTS. Kontribusi penelitian ini terletak pada penyediaan bukti empiris mengenai efektivitas model REACT berbasis Nearpod dalam pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Budi Pekerti. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan penerapan model tersebut sebagai alternatif pembelajaran inovatif serta pengujian lebih lanjut pada jenjang, materi, dan sampel yang lebih luas.