Enhancing Digital Literacy and 4Cs Skills through Project-Based Deep Learning in Kurikulum Merdeka

Budi Tri Cahyono; Relly Prihatin; Taufiq Subhanul Qodr; Mochamad Kamil Budiarto

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i2.1491

Authors

Budi Tri Cahyono Universitas Sebelas Maret
Relly Prihatin Universitas Sebelas Maret
Taufiq Subhanul Qodr Universitas Sebelas Maret
Mochamad Kamil Budiarto Universitas Negeri Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i2.1491

Keywords:

Deep Learning , Digital Literacy , Elementary Education , Merdeka Curriculum , Project-Based Learning

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of Deep Learning within the Merdeka Curriculum as a response to educational transformation in the digital age, which demands 21st-century competencies, namely critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, digital literacy, and Pancasila-based character among elementary students. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a project-based approach in integrating technological skills while strengthening national identity. A mixed-method design was employed, combining phenomenology and a one-group pretest-posttest model involving teachers, principals, and fifth-grade students from SD Negeri Sondakan and SD Negeri Tegalrejo in Surakarta. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, pretests, and posttests, then analyzed using triangulation, descriptive statistics, and ANOVA. The findings indicate improved students’ technology mastery, with success rates of 93.33% in Sondakan and 84.62% in Tegalrejo. Supporting factors included school leadership, teacher collaboration, and parental involvement. These results show that Deep Learning effectively strengthens digital literacy, the 4Cs, and students’ national character in diverse elementary school contexts.

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Author Biographies

Budi Tri Cahyono, Universitas Sebelas Maret

He was born in Malang Regency, East Java, on January 11, 1971. He is a lecturer in Vocational Teacher Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University (UNS), Surakarta. His research interests include digital learning management, multimedia management, and education and training management.

Relly Prihatin, Universitas Sebelas Maret

He was born in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on October 6, 1987. He is currently a lecturer in the Educational Technology Study Program at Universitas Sebelas Maret. His research interests include instructional design, educational technology, the affective domain, STEM education, and project-based learning.

Taufiq Subhanul Qodr, Universitas Sebelas Maret

He was born in Surakarta, Indonesia, on February 11, 1996. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Sciences at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). He obtained his Master of Education (M.Pd.) in the field of education and has been actively involved in academic and research activities related to educational development. His scholarly interests focus on educational sciences, with an emphasis on advancing innovative learning practices and research-based educational approaches.

Mochamad Kamil Budiarto, Universitas Negeri Surabaya

He is a lecturer in the Educational Technology Department at Campus 5, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, and a doctoral student in the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University. He also serves as a Tuton tutor at Universitas Terbuka. He has published numerous articles in scientific journals, and his research focuses on educational technology, interactive learning media, e-learning, and entrepreneurial learning.

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