MathFrac Edu as an interactive learning media for enhancing elementary students understanding of fraction concepts

Numerous initiatives have been undertaken to enhance elementary students’ understanding of fractions, particularly in conceptual understanding, fraction operations, and the interpretation of fractional representations. However, the integration of multimodal learning principles with established cognitive theories, such as multimedia learning theory and cognitive load theory, within interactive digital media remains limited. MathFrac Edu, an interactive multimedia learning medium designed to support visual, auditory, and interactive engagement in fraction learning, was developed to address these challenges and improve students’ conceptual understanding. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of MathFrac Edu in enhancing elementary students’ understanding of fraction concepts. A quasi-experimental study employing a non-equivalent control group design was conducted with a total of sixty fourth-grade elementary students in Surakarta, Indonesia, involving an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received instruction using MathFrac Edu, while the control group was taught through conventional methods. Data collection was conducted through HOTS-based essay tests administered as pre-tests and post-tests, followed by descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Assumption testing confirmed that the data met the requirements for parametric analysis. The findings revealed that students who learned through MathFrac Edu demonstrated substantially greater improvement in conceptual understanding of fractions than those receiving conventional instruction. Further analysis also confirmed that the intervention had a statistically significant positive effect after controlling for students’ initial ability levels. These findings underscore the effectiveness of interactive multimedia learning in enhancing elementary students’ understanding of fractions and support the integration of cognitively grounded digital media in mathematics instruction.