The Effectiveness of Stellarium as an Interactive Digital Medium to Enhance Vocational High School Students’ Understanding of Earth and Space Science

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of Stellarium, an interactive digital planetarium software, in improving vocational high school students’ understanding of Earth and space science concepts. The research employed a one-group pre-test post-test design with 10 tenth-grade students from SMK Hamong Putera Pakem, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected using cognitive tests (10 multiple-choice items), a student response questionnaire (10 Likert-scale items), and an observation sheet (11 indicators). The results showed a significant increase in students’ scores from pre-test to post-test, with an average N-Gain score categorized as medium. Observation data revealed that students actively participated, collaborated effectively, and demonstrated conceptual understanding of rotation, revolution, lunar phases, and eclipses. Furthermore, student responses were overwhelmingly positive, with more than 80% agreeing that Stellarium made learning more engaging, motivating, and enjoyable. These findings highlight the potential of Stellarium as a technology-enhanced learning tool to facilitate abstract scientific concepts, foster active learning, and support the digital transformation of vocational education. The study contributes to the growing literature on immersive and interactive learning environments and provides practical insights for science teachers in vocational schools.