Development of a Character-Based E-Book Using Design Thinking to Optimize Project-Based Learning Implementation in the Basic Concepts of Civic Education Course in Elementary Teacher Education
Apiek Gandamana, Waliyul Maulana Siregar, Robenhart Tamba, Umri Rahman Efendi

Department of Elementary School Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Medan

Abstract

The development of a character-based e-book using a design thinking approach aims to optimize the implementation of project-based learning in the Basic Concepts of Civic Education course for elementary school teacher education. The Industrial Revolution 4.0, Society 5.0, and the demographic bonus present both challenges and opportunities, directing new trajectories for the educational landscape. The urgency of this research lies in the need to provide a character-based digital textbook (e-book) that meets content, process, and learning infrastructure standards to support project implementation guidelines for the course using the ^double diamond^ design thinking model. The goal of this study is to develop a validated, effective, and influential character-based e-book to enhance the application of project-based learning in the Basic Concepts of Civic Education course, specifically targeting 21st-century skills and improving learning outcomes for Elementary Teacher Education students FIP UNIMED. This e-book development was conducted through a Research and Development (R&D) approach, carried out at UNIMED. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Data collection techniques included questionnaires, tests, interviews, observations, and document studies. Data analysis combined both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess feasibility and impact.

Keywords: e-book- character education- design thinking- project-based learning- civic education- elementary education

Topic: Social Science, Linguistics, Foreign Language and Humanities