Android-assisted gymnastics learning media to improve backward roll skills: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Problem Statement and Purpose. Performing gymnastics movements correctly is important in physical education. However, improving gymnastics skills, including the backward roll, is technically complex and remains a major challenge. One factor is the lack of interesting and interactive learning media. To address this issue, recent scholars have introduced more interactive tools, such as Android-assisted gymnastics learning media. This study analyzes the effectiveness of this media compared to conventional methods, particularly in improving backward roll skills. Materials and Methods. An experimental design with a pretest and posttest was employed, involving 80 junior high school students. These students were recruited randomly and divided into two groups: an experimental group (n1=40; age=13.57±0.54 years; and BMI=21.98±0.93) and a control group (n2=40; age=13.79±0.65 years; and BMI=22.03±0.93). Participants in the experimental group learned using the Android-assisted gymnastics learning media. Meanwhile, the control group used conventional learning methods, including explanations and direct demonstrations for ± 8 weeks. The assessment was conducted in three phases of the backward roll skill: preparation, implementation, and completion. The data were analyzed using paired and independent-sample t-tests. Then, the effect sizes were reported using Cohen's d. Result. The results showed that the mean score of the experimental group increased from 59.600 to 70.142, moving the category from poor to adequate. In contrast, the conventional group increased only approximately 4 points from 59.558 to 63.400, and remained in the poor category. The paired-samples t-test showed a significant increase in both groups (p=0.001), with a larger increase in the experimental group (t=26.234; MD=10.542). The independent-sample ttest also showed a significant difference between the two groups in the posttest (t=10.471; p=0.001; and Cohen's d=2.342). Conclusions. These findings conclude that Android-assisted gymnastics learning media is more effective visually and interactively in helping students understand and practice gymnastics movements. The integration of such a technology is important as it promotes a more interactive and adaptive learning environment. Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of similar learning media across various types of gymnastics skills. Studies investigating other relevant variables and a larger sample size are also highly recommended.