Integrated Science Education Journal
Vol. 6, No. 3, September 2025, pp. 163~174
ISSN: 2716-3725, DOI: 10.37251/isej.v6i3.1859

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Development of Powtoon-Assisted Learning Media to Improve Students'
Critical Thinking Skills in Science Subjects
Rocha Linda1,*, Achmad Bukhori1, Andi Priyolistiyanto1
1Information Technology Education, Universitas PGRI Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Article Info

ABSTRACT

Article history:

Purpose of the study: This study aims to develop Powtoon-assisted learning
media to improve critical thinking skills among eighth-grade science subjects at
Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah.

Received Jun 12, 2025
Revised Jul 05, 2025
Accepted Aug 15, 2025
OnlineFirst Aug 17, 2025
Keywords:
Critical Thinking
Learning Media
Powtoon

Methodology: This qualitative study uses Powtoon software to design
instructional media. Data were collected using interview guides, observation
sheets, and documentation. Miles and Huberman's interactive model was applied
to the data analysis. Primary data were collected through field interviews and
classroom observations; Secondary data is obtained from books, journals, and
online sources.
Main Findings: Powtoon-assisted learning media significantly increased student
engagement, understanding, and motivation in science learning. Students exhibit
better critical thinking skills, especially in analyzing, evaluating, and articulating
ideas logically. Teachers reported increased student participation and
enthusiasm. Despite technical challenges such as internet access and device
limitations, the overall response to Powtoon media was positive and indicated a
significant improvement in learning effectiveness.
Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study introduces Powtoon as an
innovative tool specifically applied to enhance critical thinking in science at the
junior high school level. Unlike previous research that focused on general
understanding or motivation, this study highlights Powtoon's role in developing
high-level thinking. It contributes to the practice of digital education by bridging
animation-based media with the development of cognitive skills.
This is an open access article under the CC BY license

Corresponding Author:
Rocha Linda,
Information Technology Education, Universitas PGRI Semarang,
Jl. Sidodadi Timur Jalan Dokter Cipto No.24, Karangtempel, Jawa Tengah, 50232, Indonesia
Email: rochalinda1212@gmail.com

1.

INTRODUCTION
Technological developments have become one of the main drivers of change in various aspects of
human life, ranging from economic, social, to cultural [1]. Innovations in the fields of information and
communication technology, transportation, and healthcare have created unprecedented convenience and
efficiency [2]. For example, the advent of the internet and smart devices allows humans to communicate across
continents in seconds, access information instantly, and perform various online activities [3]. On the other hand,
automation and artificial intelligence are starting to replace routine work, thus requiring society to continue to
adapt to the times [4].
In the world of education, technological developments have brought about very significant
transformations, both in terms of learning methods, accessibility, and the quality of education itself [5]. The use
of devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets allows students and teachers to access diverse and
innovative learning resources, ranging from digital books, learning videos, to interactive e-learning platforms
Journal homepage: http://cahaya-ic.com/index.php/ISEJ

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[6]. Technology also allows for distance learning, virtual collaboration, and personalization of materials
according to the needs of each student. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and adaptive
grading systems further enrich the learning experience, making it more interactive, relevant, and inclusive [7].
In addition, the development of digital technology in the world of education has brought significant
changes to the pattern of interaction between teachers and students [8]. In conventional learning methods,
students who generally have high-tech literacy skills tend to get bored quickly. Therefore, it is important for
educators to adopt a more innovative approach in choosing learning media to engage students [7]. This shows
the urgent need to move from passive learning methods to more active and technology-based learning models,
which are able to accommodate students' current cognitive needs and learning interests.
Learning media functions as a means to support the teaching and learning process in educational
institutions, with the main goal of improving the quality of education. This media can be in the form of simple
presentation media that is able to convey information through five forms, namely lines, images, sounds,
movements, and symbols [9]. Examples of such media include moving images such as movies and television
broadcasts. However, not all types of movies or television programs are able to convey all types of data [10].
Even so, learning media generally received a positive response from students. However, the effectiveness of
learning media is highly dependent on the suitability of the form of media with the characteristics of the material
and the needs of students, so media development needs to consider both aspects simultaneously.
One of the most widely used mediums is Powtoon, a web-based application that allows the creation of
animated presentations with interactive features and dance visuals. Powtoon is here as a solution to overcome
boredom in conventional learning, while answering the needs of media that can increase students' motivation and
interest in learning in today's digital era [11]. Teachers can use Powtoon to create presentations, learning videos,
and explanations of difficult concepts with more easy-to-understand visualizations. Features such as handwritten
animations, cartoon characters, transition effects, and simple timing make Powtoon very effective in grabbing
students' attention and creating a more lively learning atmosphere [12]. However, there have not been many
studies that have specifically evaluated the effectiveness of Powtoon in improving students' critical thinking
skills, especially at the junior secondary education level.
Research from Garsinia (2020), shows that the use of Powtoon in the development of learning videos
provides many benefits, especially in delivering material in an interesting and interactive way [13]. In this
project, a learning video was made with the theme Building a Curved Side Space with a contextual learning
approach (CTL) and showed very valid and practical results [14]. Another study from Melati (2025) shows that
the use of Powtoon media in general is beneficial in improving student learning outcomes, especially in social
studies subjects [15]. Powtoon presents an engaging and interactive visual display that increases students'
interest, attention, and motivation to learn [16]. The results showed a significant improvement in learning
outcomes after learning using Powtoon, compared to conventional methods [17]. This proves that Powtoon is
effectively applied as a learning medium to create a more enjoyable and meaningful learning process [18].
Powtoon-based learning media that can be a solution to improve students' critical thinking skills
effectively [19]. Deep thinking and learning is a learning approach that aims to achieve a more focused and
comprehensive understanding, so that the learning process becomes more systematic and directed [20]. Because
learning activities are structured in stages and levels, this approach is also known as structured learning [21]. The
computational process in this approach also influences the way students think, encouraging them to be more
independent in analyzing and making decisions, similar to how driverless cars or autonomous vehicles work
[22]. Therefore, Powtoon's integration in critical learning strategies needs to be systematically designed to not
only present engaging content, but also encourage high-level cognitive activity.
Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah which is located on Jalan Akmal, Simpang Sender, South
OKU, South Sumatra, is an A accredited public school that has been established since November 22, 1985. With
adequate facilities, internet access, the school's professional teaching staff is committed to producing a quality
and noble generation, as well as being the right choice for parents in supporting their children's future [23]. So
far, the teaching and learning process at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah is still highly dependent on
conventional learning media, such as printed books, whiteboards, and direct explanations from teachers. While
this method is still effective, as technology evolves, students need more interactive and engaging media to make
learning more fun and easy to understand [24].
In addition, at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah, the problems faced by students in critical
thinking are quite significant. Students often have difficulty in developing critical thinking skills because
conventional learning methods that are still widely used tend to be one-way and tend not to trigger active student
involvement. Monotonous and less varied learning causes students to be less motivated and less trained in
honing their analytical skills and evaluating their subject matter [25]. The limitations of conventional learning
media that only rely on textbooks and teachers' lectures are also an obstacle in creating an interactive and
interesting learning atmosphere [26].
Conventional learning media have limitations in delivering material visually and interactively, so it is
less able to attract the attention of students who are now used to digital technology [27]. The media also lacks
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support the development of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. In addition,
conventional media is not flexible in adapting to individual student needs, so not all students can learn optimally
[28]. Therefore, learning media that are able to answer these challenges directly and relevantly, such as Powtoon,
which has the potential to present learning in a visual, interesting, and critical thinking skill-based manner.
Therefore, integrating Powtoon as a learning medium for the learning approach to learning is expected
to make the learning process more effective and able to significantly improve students' critical thinking skills.
This is very relevant to be applied at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah as an effort to improve the
quality of education in schools. With this combination, it is hoped that learning will be more effective, students
will be more active, and learning outcomes will increase.
Based on the above background, the purpose of this study is to develop Powtoon-based learning media
to improve the critical thinking skills of grade VIII students at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah, as well
as to assess the effectiveness and response of students to media. The research questions asked in this study are:
(1) How is the process of developing Powtoon-based learning media to improve students' critical thinking skills?
(2) How effective is Powtoon's learning media in improving students' critical thinking skills? (3) How do
students respond to the use of Powtoon media in the learning process?"
Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the development of Powtoon learning media to improve the
critical thinking skills of Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah. With adequate training and support,
Powtoon can be one of the creative learning mediums that deserves to be integrated in the teaching and learning
process to create a more enjoyable and meaningful learning experience for every student.
2.

RESEARCH METHOD
This study uses a qualitative approach with the type of library research to in-depth examine the
development of integrated Powtoon-based learning media in an effort to improve students’ critical thinking skills
[29]. The design of this research is not only exploratory, but also descriptive, because it aims to explain and
describe the process, concept, and implementation of learning media in depth [30]. This approach was chosen
because it is able to reach in-depth theoretical studies while providing practical context for the use of learning
media in 21st century learning.
The scope of this research focuses on the development of Powtoon-fostered learning media as a learning
approach at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah. The main object in this study is the learning media
developed and students' critical thinking skills as a result of the application of the learning model. The focus of
the research was not aimed at measuring the quantity of score improvement, but examined the learning process
and indicators of critical thinking skills that grew through the use of Powtoon media. The research sample is
purposive, with the research subjects in the form of subject teachers and grade VIII students in schools. The
sampling technique is carried out by purposive sampling, which is by selecting individuals who are considered
the most relevant and have direct involvement in the learning process using Powtoon media.
The main materials and tools used in this study include Powtoon software as a learning development
medium. Data collection is carried out with two main sources, namely primary and secondary data. Primary data
was obtained from in-depth interviews with subject teachers and observations of the learning process using
Powtoon media While secondary data was collected from scientific books, educational journals, previous
research articles, and official online sources that have relevance to the research [31].
The data collection instruments used include: (1) interview guidelines, (2) observation sheets, and (3)
documentation. To support the validity of the data, a grid of observational instruments was prepared that
included critical thinking indicators such as the ability to analyze, evaluate, conclude, and propose arguments.
The operational definition in this study includes two main variables. First, Powtoon-assisted learning media is
defined as a visual teaching tool developed in an interactive digital animation format to support the teaching and
learning process [32]. Second, students’ critical thinking skills which are interpreted as the ability to analyze,
evaluate, and deduce information logically and rationally during the learning process Development of video
learning media based on powtoon applications on the concept of light properties for elementary school
students[33]. Critical thinking indicators refer to high-level thinking models that involve reflection activities,
logical argumentation, and evidence-based problem-solving.
The data analysis technique used in this study refers to the Miles and Huberman model, which includes
three main stages, namely: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing [19]. The data reduction
process is carried out by selecting and simplifying relevant data from the results of interviews, observations, and
literature sources. Furthermore, data is presented in the form of narratives and tables to facilitate interpretation,
and finally conclusions are drawn to answer the research focus related to media development and its impact on
improving students’ critical thinking. The analysis process is carried out repeatedly, so that the researcher can
capture the patterns, meanings, and relationships between the media used and the students' thinking ability.

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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this study, before conducting an interview at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah, the
researcher prepared several things first, such as preparing an implementation concept, preparing an interview
schedule with the class teacher concerned, and preparing a list of questions to be asked to the resource person.
After all the preparations were completed, the researcher conducted an interview by asking several questions,
including the following Table 1.
Table 1. Interview Questions
Question
Powtoon media is one of the options in the development of learning media in this school?
What are some of the challenges or obstacles you face in developing and using Powtoon
as a learning medium?
How do students respond to the use of Powtoons in learning, especially in relation to
their critical thinking skills?
What are your suggestions or expectations for the development of learning media in the
future to better support the improvement of students' critical thinking skills?
Prior to the development of learning media using Powtoon, the teaching and learning process at Junior
High School BPR Ranau Tengah still used conventional learning media such as textbooks, whiteboards, and oral
explanations from teachers. Although these media are quite helpful, students tend to be passive and less
interested in learning the material in depth. This causes students' critical thinking skills to not develop optimally
because they only receive information in one direction without much opportunity to analyze, evaluate, or
develop their own ideas.
After the implementation of Powtoon-based learning media was developed, there was a significant
increase in students' critical thinking skills. Powtoon media that presents material in an engaging way through
animation, sound, and interactive visuals makes students more interested and active in the learning process.
Students become easier to understand the material, more motivated to discuss, and able to provide opinions and
solutions to the problems discussed in the lesson. Thus, the use of this media has proven to be more effective
than conventional methods in improving students’ critical thinking skills.
Results of Teacher Interviews at Junior High School BPR Ranau Tengah
Based on the results of interviews with teachers who have reviewed the development of Powtoon
learning media at Junior High School BPR Ranau Tengah, the first question is why is Powtoon media one of the
choices in the development of learning media in this school?
“Powtoon is one of the choices because it looks interesting and interactive, so students don't get
bored quickly. This medium is suitable for explaining material in a more visual and fun way.”
“It is easy to use and can display material in the form of animations. Students are now more
interested in learning through videos rather than just reading books.”
“By combining Powtoon by providing videos that invite students to think, discuss, and reflect on
the material. After watching, students were given an analysis task.”
“Inserting a critical question in a Powtoon video. After that, students are asked to answer and
discuss in groups so that they can dig deeper into the material.”
The third question is, what are the challenges or obstacles you face in developing and using Powtoon as
a learning medium?
“The obstacle I face is that the internet connection at school is not always stable. Also, it takes
time to create a video that really fits the material.”
“Some old teachers like me are not used to using digital applications, so they need further
training. On the other hand, not all students have a device to watch videos at home.”
The third question is how do students respond to the use of Powtoons in learning, especially in relation
to their critical thinking skills?
“From the student response, it is very positive. They are more enthusiastic and actively ask
questions. I also saw that they were more courageous to express their opinions after watching the
learning videos.”
“Students are more interested in the material because it is delivered in a way that is not boring.
They become easier to understand and start thinking from a different point of view.”
The fourth question is, what are your suggestions or expectations for the development of learning media
in the future to better support the improvement of students' critical thinking skills?
“I hope that schools can support digital media training so that all teachers can use it. Media like
Powtoon really helps improve students' thinking skills.”
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“In the future, hopefully there will be more access to technology for teachers and students, as well
as regular training so that we can continue to follow the development of learning media.”
Based on the results of interviews with teachers at Junior High School BPR Ranau Tengah, it can be
concluded that the use of Powtoon media in the development of learning in schools was chosen because of its
ability to present material in an attractive, interactive, and visual way, so that it can increase students' interest
and enthusiasm for learning. The two are integrated through the insertion of critical questions in videos, group
discussions, as well as reflection tasks that encourage students to think more deeply and analytically. Despite
facing challenges such as limited internet connections, lack of technology training for teachers, and access to
learning tools for students, both judged that the students' response to the use of Powtoon was very positive.
Students become more active, enthusiastic, and able to understand the material better compared to conventional
methods. This can be seen from the increased courage of students in asking questions, discussing, and their
ability to analyze and convey opinions logically. Therefore, they hope that in the future there will be support
from schools in the form of training and increased access to technology, so that digital learning media such as
Powtoon can continue to be developed to support the improvement of students' critical thinking skills to the
maximum.
Based on the results of observations and interviews conducted, the researcher will develop Powtoon
learning media Here the researcher makes a presentation with critical thinking material as material.
In. Sci. Ed. J

Figure 1. Presentation Videos Created Using Powtoon
The media developed by the researcher is an interesting Powtoon-based learning media. This media
does not only display images, but in the form of animated videos that provide clear and fun explanations of the
material. The purpose of this media is to help students at Junior High School BPR Ranau Tengah in
understanding the material as well as practicing their critical thinking skills. With a more interactive and visual
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delivery, it is hoped that students will more easily understand the material and become more active in the
learning process.
Several studies have shown that Powtoon is an effective learning tool and can help students understand
the material. However, its use also has some obstacles. One of the main challenges is the need for a stable
internet connection, as Powtoon relies heavily on online access. In addition, both teachers and students need to
have technological devices such as mobile phones, computers, or laptops in order to be able to make optimal use
of this application in learning activities [18].
Here's an explanation of how to use Powtoon to create animated videos or presentations:
1. Sign up and Log in to a Powtoon Account

Figure 2. Login page to Powtoon
First, go to the Powtoon website and sign up if you don't have an account, or log in directly if you
already do. You can also sign in using your Google or Facebook account.
2.

Choose a Template or Start from Blank

Figure 3. Powtoon Home
Once you're signed in, select the type of video you want to create, such as a learning, marketing,
presentation, or other video. Powtoon provides tons of ready-made templates to choose from as needed,
including blank templates to create your own designs from scratch.
3.

4.
5.

Design Videos by Adding Elements
Add animated characters, text, writing effects, properties, images, videos, and music from the features
available on the right side of the screen.
Edit the text by directly clicking on the existing sentence and replacing it as needed.
Use the timeline at the bottom to set when objects appear and disappear and set animation effects.
Video Preview and Edit
Once you're done editing, click the preview button to see the results of your animated video. If anything
doesn't match, re-edit it.
Save and Export Videos
Once you are satisfied with the result, click the export button to save the video. You can download the
video in MP4 format (depending on your account type) or share it directly to YouTube, Facebook, or
download it as a PDF or PowerPoint.

Powtoon is perfect for creating learning videos, interactive presentations, and marketing videos with
engaging animations that are easy to use even for beginners. The free version already provides a lot of features,
but for access to more templates and creative features, there's also a premium version. In summary, the main
steps of using Powtoon are: register/login → choose a video design → template with animation elements →
preview → export and share [34].

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The Impact and Implications of Media Use on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills
The use of Powtoon media in learning at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah has a significant
positive impact on students' critical thinking skills. This media was chosen because of its ability to present
material in an interesting, interactive, and visual manner, so that it can increase students' interest and enthusiasm
for learning. The insertion of critical questions in videos, group discussions, and integrated reflection
assignments encourages students to think more deeply and analytically, especially in the aspects of analyzing,
evaluating, and summarizing information. These findings suggest that the integration of animation-based media
such as Powtoon can be a catalyst in fostering high-level thinking competencies that have been difficult to
achieve through conventional methods.
From the results of interviews with teachers, it can be seen that the use of Powtoon makes students
more active and enthusiastic in the learning process. Students show increased courage in asking questions and
discussing, and their ability to analyze and logically convey opinions is also improved. This shows that Powtoon
media not only presents material in an engaging way, but is also effective in developing students' critical
thinking skills. Activities such as discussing, building arguments, and evaluating information that emerges
during learning are indicators that students have engaged in meaningful learning.
However, there are several challenges faced in the implementation of this media, such as limited
internet connections, lack of technology training for teachers, and uneven access to learning tools among
students. This challenge is an obstacle that needs to be overcome so that the use of digital media such as
Powtoon can be optimized in learning. This emphasizes the need for infrastructure support strategies and ICT
competency improvement programs for educators.
The positive impact of using Powtoon is also supported by the results of other research that show that
this media is able to improve students' critical thinking skills in the aspects of interpretation, analysis, and
inference. Powtoon media combined with a problem-based learning (PBL) model makes lessons more interactive
and motivates students to be active in the learning process, so that the understanding of the material becomes
better than conventional methods [35]. This alignment shows that the use of animation-based digital media has
cross-disciplinary potential in improving the quality of learning.
Other research conducted by [36] also affirms Powtoon's effectiveness in increasing students'
achievement and interest in learning. Julianingrum and his colleagues found that the use of Powtoon in financial
accounting learning was able to significantly improve student learning achievement. Meanwhile, Mahendra
reported that Powtoon learning media was able to increase students' interest in learning, which was characterized
by the increase in students' activeness in paying attention to the teacher's explanations and their courage to ask
questions during the learning process. This reinforces the conclusion that Powtoon media not only has a
cognitive, but also affective impact.
The use of Powtoon also facilitates a process of group discussions that are respectful of each other's
opinions and cooperation between students. Students are encouraged to develop and present their work in a
confident way, which at the same time trains critical thinking and communication skills. Evaluation and
reflection carried out after learning activities further strengthen students' ability to analyze and evaluate
information [18]. Learning that encourages collaboration like this is critical in shaping 21st century
competencies.
The implication of the use of Powtoon media is the need for support from schools in the form of
technology training for teachers and increased access to technology for students. With this support, digital
learning media can continue to be developed and utilized optimally to improve students' critical thinking skills
on an ongoing basis. If widely adopted, this approach has the potential to become a national strategy in the
digital transformation of learning.
Thus, the use of Powtoon media in learning makes a significant contribution to improving students'
critical thinking skills through the presentation of interesting, interactive, and supportive material that supports
an active and reflective learning process. This shows that digital media such as Powtoon can be an effective
alternative in the development of learning oriented towards improving the quality of students' critical thinking.
The generalization of these results is that technology-based media innovations can be used at various levels of
education to support competency-based learning.
The Success of Powtoon Learning Media at Junior High School BPR Ranau Tengah
The success of Powtoon-assisted learning in improving the critical thinking skills of Junior High School
1 BPR Ranau Tengah students is an innovation that is very relevant to current technological developments and
educational needs. In the context of learning, it is not just about memorizing or understanding the material on the
surface, but emphasizing deep understanding, critical reflection, and the ability to relate the concepts learned to
the real situation around the student [37]. By using Powtoon as a learning medium, teachers can present the
material visually and interactively through attractive animations, so that students not only passively receive
information, but also are encouraged to actively think and analyze the content of the material [38]. Powtoon
allows the delivery of complex material to be simpler and easier to understand through a dynamic combination
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of images, sounds, and text, so that students can be more focused and motivated to dig deeper into each concept
taught [39]. This shows that learning media is not only a tool, but also acts as a catalyst to change students'
learning patterns from passive to active, critical, and reflective. This shows that learning media is not only a tool,
but also acts as a catalyst to change students' learning patterns from passive to active, critical, and reflective.
The results of the research conducted at Junior High School BPR Ranau Tengah show that the
implementation of Powtoon-assisted learning with a positive approach has a significant positive impact on
improving students' critical thinking skills. Quantitative data from the pre-test and post-test showed a
considerable increase in scores, which indicates that students are able to understand the material more deeply and
are able to apply this knowledge in various contexts. These improvements are not only temporary, but also
sustainable, which shows that this learning method is effective in building a strong foundation of critical thinking
in students [40]. In addition, students also report that studying with Powtoon is more enjoyable and makes it
easier for them to remember the material, thus increasing their motivation to study significantly. Thus, this
empirical data strengthens the argument that innovative learning based on digital visual media has a long-term
impact in strengthening critical thinking skills.
Furthermore, the use of Powtoon in encouraging the creation of a collaborative and communicative
learning atmosphere. Students are invited to discuss, exchange ideas, and work together in completing assigned
tasks or projects, so that their social and communication skills also develop along with critical thinking skills.
This process of interaction is crucial because critical thinking involves not only the individual's abilities, but also
the ability to listen, evaluate, and respond constructively to the opinions of others. Collaborative learning
environments also create a sense of ownership over the learning process, which contributes to increased intrinsic
motivation. Thus, learning that integrates Powtoon not only improves the cognitive aspects of students, but also
affective and social aspects that support the development of 21st-century characters and skills.
The success of this learning is also supported by the validity and reliability of the assessment
instruments used to measure students' critical thinking skills. The instruments used have gone through a process
of trial and statistical analysis so that the measurement results can be trusted and accurately reflect the students'
abilities. This is an important foundation for teachers in data-driven decision-making to design more targeted
follow-up learning. With valid and reliable data, teachers can objectively evaluate learning and make necessary
improvements to improve the quality of learning in the future. This shows that the implementation of Powtoonassisted learning with an approach is not only a technological innovation, but also an evidence-based and
effective learning strategy.
The integration of Powtoon learning media at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah has succeeded
in creating a more meaningful, interesting, and effective learning process in improving students' critical thinking
skills. Interactive media and in-depth learning models make students more active in the learning process, able to
develop critical analysis, evaluation, and information synthesis skills [41]. This also answers the challenge of the
world of education in encouraging high-level thinking literacy in the digital era. This success is proof that
innovation in learning methods and media is very important to answer educational challenges in the digital era,
where the ability to think critically is one of the main competencies that must be possessed by the younger
generation [42]. Thus, the implementation of Powtoon-assisted learning can be used as a recommended learning
model to improve the quality of education at large. In general, these results can be generalized to other secondary
education contexts with the support of adequate technological infrastructure and teacher training.
Research [43] at MTsN 1 Jombang, grade VII students also provided strong evidence of Powtoon's
positive influence on mathematics interests and learning outcomes. In this study, the use of Powtoon as a
learning medium was proven to significantly increase students' learning motivation.
In addition to the immediate benefits of critical thinking skills, Powtoon-assisted learning also has a
positive impact on students' motivation and interest in learning [44]. Students who feel interested and actively
involved in the learning process tend to have higher enthusiasm for learning and better learning outcomes [45].
Powtoon as a creative and interactive media is able to reduce boredom and boredom that often arise in
conventional learning, so that students are more enthusiastic about participating in each learning session. This
high motivation is very important in supporting long-term learning success and forming a positive attitude
towards the learning process [46].
Thus, the success of Powtoon-assisted learning at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah not only
significantly improves students' critical thinking skills, but also strengthens students' motivation and involvement
in the learning process. This innovation is a real example of how digital technology can be optimally utilized to
create effective, fun, and meaningful learning. In the future, the development and implementation of similar
learning models in other schools is expected to expand this positive impact, so that the quality of education in
Indonesia will improve and be able to produce a generation that is critical, creative, and ready to face global
challenges.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Powtoon
Powtoon as a learning medium has the main advantages in terms of interactivity and high visual appeal.
This medium combines dynamic animation, audio, and visuals so that it can grab students' attention and reduce
boredom during the learning process [47]. In addition, Powtoon allows teachers to package learning materials
creatively and innovatively. This medium is practical because it is web-based and provides a variety of templates
that make it easy to create content without having to master graphic design in depth. Thus, teachers can focus
more on preparing material that challenges students' analytical and evaluation abilities, which are important
aspects of critical thinking [48].
Another advantage lies in its flexibility; Teachers can quickly adapt the content according to different
student characteristics and learning contexts. This media also opens up different learning opportunities, as the
content can be adapted to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles.
However, Powtoon also has some drawbacks that need to be considered in the context of learning. One
of the main obstacles is the dependence on the availability of technology and a stable internet network. Since
Powtoon is an online-based application, the process of creating and storing animated videos requires an adequate
internet connection [18]. Additionally, using Powtoon requires special technical skills from teachers and
students. The operation of this application is not completely intuitive for all users, so training and technological
competence improvement is required so that this medium can be used optimally [49]. In practice, teachers who
are not familiar with technology tend to need longer adaptation times, so the implementation of this medium can
be hampered if it is not accompanied by adequate technical support.
The duration of the videos produced by Powtoon is also one of its limitations. Learning videos that are
too short can make the material not delivered in depth, while too long a duration has the potential to make
students lose focus [50]. In demanding in-depth understanding and critical analysis, this limited duration must be
overcome with proper material planning so that each video is able to present dense and meaningful content
without sacrificing the quality of learning. There needs to be a concise but controversial content packaging
strategy, such as the use of short storytelling, animated concept maps, or a gradual narrative flow.
Another advantage of Powtoon is its ability to provide feedback and allow collaboration between
students. This medium can be used to create assignments or projects that involve the creation of animated videos,
so that students are not only passive recipients but also active in the learning process. This approach is very
appropriate by emphasizing deep learning through interaction and reflection, so that it can significantly improve
critical thinking skills [48]. Collaboration in Powtoon's content creation also trains social skills such as
communication, compromise, and teamwork—all of which are part of the essential soft skills of the 21st century.
The implications of this analysis suggest that the success of Powtoon's use is greatly influenced by the readiness
of teachers and supporting infrastructure in schools. Therefore, education policy-making must accommodate
digital media training for teachers and equitable procurement of ICT facilities.
This study introduces the use of Powtoon-assisted learning media as a specific approach to improve
students' critical thinking skills in science education at the junior high school level. While many previous studies
have focused on improving student motivation or general learning outcomes, this study highlights the cognitive
depth that can be achieved through animated interactive media. Its novelty lies in integrating visual storytelling
with critical question strategies to foster analytical and evaluative thinking in a classroom context.
The results of this study have important pedagogical implications. First, they support the integration of
digital animation platforms like Powtoon in classroom teaching to foster critical thinking, especially in science
subjects. Second, the findings show that teacher training in the use of digital media must be prioritized to
maximize learning effectiveness. Third, this research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the
alignment of media-based learning with 21st century skills, promoting a student-centered and reflective learning
environment.
This research is limited by several factors. This involves a relatively small sample size within a single
school, which can affect the generalization of the findings. The use of Powtoon also requires stable internet
access and digital devices, which poses challenges in terms of infrastructure and digital literacy among some
participants. Future research should explore broader implementation across a variety of educational settings and
examine the long-term impact on student performance.
4.

CONCLUSION
The development of Powtoon-assisted learning media at Junior High School 1 BPR Ranau Tengah has
proven to be effective in improving students' critical thinking skills through the presentation of interactive,
interesting, and easy-to-understand materials. This approach encourages students to understand the material in
depth, hone their skills in analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information, and connect lesson concepts with
real-life contexts. The use of Powtoon also increases student motivation, engagement, and collaboration in the
learning process, thus creating a more communicative and enjoyable learning atmosphere. The results of the
study showed a significant increase in student learning outcomes, both quantitatively and qualitatively, which
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172
was strengthened by the use of valid and reliable assessment instruments. Thus, digital media-based learning
innovations such as Powtoon deserve to be used as an alternative model that is recommended to be widely
applied, in answering the challenges of 21st century education in shaping a generation that is critical, creative,
and adaptive to technological developments.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to all respondent and stakeholder for the permission and opportunity given to carry out this
research. Then, the researcher also thanked all parties who had contributed to the success of this research.
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