ANALYSIS OF PHET SIMULATION-BASED LABORATORY VIRTUAL PRACTICUM GUIDE TO IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS OF SOUTH SUMATRA VOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study is an experimental study that aims to see the learning outcomes and increase the critical thinking skills of students in experimental Class 1 (Class X TITL 1) SMK Negeri Sumatera Selatan in the academic year 2021 – 2022. Considering that it is still in the covid 19 pandemic condition, this research was carried out in a virtual physics laboratory in April – May of the even semester using practicum guides and PhET media with direct current electricity materials, namely Ohm's law and Kirchoff's law. The study population was Class X TITL (electrical installation engineering) with research samples in Class X TITL 1 as experimental class 1 (Using PhET media) and X TITL (electrical installation engineering) 2 as experimental class 2 (not using PhET media). With the results of the analysis after using the practicum guide to prove the truth of the hypothesis stated by the researchers that there is a positive influence in the application of virtual learning activities in the Physics Laboratory of SMKN Sumsel using PhET media as a simulation medium so that the learning objectives of physics in improving the ability and critical thinking skills are quite achieved in Class X TITL (electrical installation engineering) 1 as an experimental class 1.
 
Keywords: virtual lab, practicum guide, Phet simulation and thinking creative