MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURABAYA – Lecturers of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya (UM Surabaya), consisting of Ponidi, Holy Ichda Wahyuni, and Lukman Hakim, developed a virtual reality (VR) tool designed to educate elementary school students about disaster mitigation. The tool has been specifically implemented at SD Muhammadiyah 9 Surabaya, a school situated in a coastal area susceptible to natural disasters.
The choice of SD Muhammadiyah 9 was strategic due to its proximity to the Madura Strait and the inherent risks associated with coastal living. Ponidi, the head of the community service project, emphasized the need for a proactive approach to disaster preparedness in such regions.
“Despite the school’s beautiful location, it is also vulnerable to natural disasters,” he said.
A significant challenge faced by SD Muhammadiyah 9 was the lack of engaging educational materials on disaster mitigation.
“When we conducted our research, we found that the school lacked resources to effectively teach students about disaster preparedness. The students often expressed fear and anxiety about natural disasters, which can impact their overall well-being,” said Ponidi.
To address this issue, the UM Surabaya teaching staff developed a VR-based learning module that simulates various natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. By immersing students in virtual disaster scenarios, the team aims to foster a deeper understanding of the risks involved and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively.
“We hope that this VR tool will become a valuable part of the school’s curriculum. By incorporating VR into their lessons, teachers can make learning about disaster preparedness more engaging and effective,” said Ponidi.
Meanwhile, the principal of SD Muhammadiyah 9 Aris Wahyuningsih expressed her gratitude for the UM Surabaya team’s initiative.
“We are thrilled to have this innovative tool at our disposal. Our students are already showing great enthusiasm for the VR experience, and we believe it will have a lasting impact on their safety awareness,” said Aris.
