Delfi Eliza, Yeni Erita, Yulsyofriend, Alfisa Hasanah, Nice Anisa, Muhammad Dhanil
This study aimed at the development of a mobile role-playing game (RPG) application to enhance scientific and cultural literacy in early childhood education. The development process was conducted using the ADDIE model, with stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Validity testing involved three experts and six teachers, while practicality and effectiveness testing involved ninety early childhood participants. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to assess validity and practicality, and inferential statistics, including t-tests, to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile RPG application on students’ scientific and cultural literacy. The results indicated that the developed mobile RPG application was interactive, contextual, child-friendly, and strongly instilled Minangkabau cultural values, while also integrating scientific and cultural literacy. Expert validation yielded an average score of 93.33% (valid), and teachers gave a score of 91.81% (valid), indicating that the application was highly feasible for use. Practicality testing by early childhood participants yielded an average score of 84.4% for ease of use, benefits, and attractiveness, placing it in the practical category. Effectiveness testing showed that students’ scientific literacy reached an average of 86.11 (SD = 6.48; t = 16.26) and cultural literacy an average of 77.40 (SD = 6.83; t = 3.32), both with p < 0.05, indicating significant improvement. Overall, this mobile RPG application was proven to be valid, practical, and effective in supporting the development of scientific and cultural literacy. The implication is that teachers can use the application to enhance students’ scientific and cultural literacy. © 2026, Politeknik Negeri Padang. All rights reserved.
Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia; Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia
