Visualising Abstract Values: Reducing Cognitive Load in Moral Education Using an Interactive Learning Media

Abstract

The increasing accessibility of the internet, while offering educational opportunities, also contributes to moral decline among adolescents, including students at MAN 2 Sleman. The teaching of Akhlak (morals), which should strengthen moral values, often becomes less effective due to conventional and less interactive methods, leading to student disengagement and weak internalization of values. This study aims to develop an interactive web-based learning media called "BATIKA" (Belajar Etika/Learning Ethics) as an alternative for teaching Akhlak to tenth-grade students of MAN 2 Sleman. The research employed the ADDIE development model consisting of five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Data were collected through validation sheets and questionnaires, involving media experts, material experts, teachers, and students. Feasibility data were analyzed using percentage-based assessments. The results indicate a real demand among teachers and students for technology-based learning media to overcome the limitations of conventional teaching methods. BATIKA was developed as a response to this need, offering accessible, attractive, and interactive features such as practice exercises, gamification elements (leaderboards, progress reports, educational games, and quiz-based scoring), which promote enjoyable and engaging learning. Validation results show feasibility scores of 92% from material experts, 88% from media experts, and 94% from teachers, all categorized as “very feasible.” Student responses also showed a positive reception, with a feasibility score of 78% categorized as “feasible.” These findings demonstrate that BATIKA can serve as an effective and innovative learning medium for Akhlak education.