Tactile Media for Mechanical Wave Concepts (MATAGEM) for Visually Impaired Students
Upik Rahma Fitri (a*), Amanda Wirdayanti (b), Yuli Triasion Simangunsong (c), Esmar Budi (d), Budi Santoso (e), Mira Ziveria (f)

(a, b, c, d) Department of Physics Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
(e) Department of Special Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
(f) Department of Information System, Kalbis University, Jl. Pulomas Selatan, Jakarta 13210, Indonesia
*upikrahma[at]unj.ac.id


Abstract

Visually impaired students often experience difficulties in understanding mechanical wave concepts because physics learning materials are generally presented through visual representations that are not fully accessible to them. Therefore, learning media that accommodate tactile and auditory modalities are needed to support inclusive science learning. This study aimed to develop Tactile Media for Mechanical Wave Concepts (MATAGEM) for visually impaired students. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the Successive Approximation Model (SAM), which consists of the Preparation, Iterative Design, and Iterative Development phases. MATAGEM was designed as an accessible learning medium integrating three-dimensional tactile representations of transverse and longitudinal waves, Braille labels, and interactive audio features. The development process involved identifying the learning needs of visually impaired students, designing tactile and audio-based components, and constructing a functional prototype through iterative refinement. The resulting product is a multisensory learning medium that enables students to explore mechanical wave concepts through tactile and auditory experiences. MATAGEM has the potential to support independent learning and provide more accessible representations of abstract physics concepts for visually impaired students.

Keywords: tactile media, mechanical waves, visually impaired students, multisensory learning, inclusive learning

Topic: Physics Education

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