BITUNG – Interactive teaching materials developed with Canva for Education
have shown strong potential to improve student engagement and motivation in
economics learning at junior high schools. The study was conducted by Maryana
Umbase of Manado State University, together with Jerry R.H. Wuisang, Edwin
Wantah, Johny Taroreh, and Amsye Winokan, and was published in the Journal of
Educational Analytics (JEDA) in May 2026. The findings highlight how digital
learning tools can help schools create more engaging and student-centered
classroom experiences.
As schools continue adapting to rapid technological change, many teachers
still rely heavily on textbooks and lecture-based instruction. While these
methods remain useful, they often limit student participation and make learning
less engaging, particularly for subjects that require contextual understanding
such as economics.
Researchers observed that students in several junior high schools in Bitung
City, North Sulawesi, frequently experienced boredom during lessons on economic
activities. Learning materials were largely text-based, and opportunities for
interactive learning remained limited. This situation encouraged the
development of a more visually appealing and technology-supported learning
resource.
To address the issue, the research team developed Social Studies–Economics
teaching materials on Economic Activities using Canva for Education, a digital
platform that allows educators to create presentations, infographics, videos,
worksheets, and other multimedia learning resources.
The development process followed a research and development approach
consisting of four main stages:
- · Identifying learning needs and classroom challenges.
- · Designing the teaching materials and visual layouts.
- · Developing interactive multimedia content using Canva for Education.
- · Validating the materials through expert review and student evaluation.
The researchers collected data through observations, interviews,
questionnaires, focus group discussions, and evaluations involving students,
material experts, and media experts.
The study revealed a strong demand for more interactive learning materials
among students.
Key findings include:
- · 80% of students strongly disagreed that textbooks and teacher explanations alone were sufficient for understanding economic activities.
- · 90% stated that additional learning media were necessary to support learning.
- · 80% strongly preferred colorful and visually attractive learning materials.
- · 100% of students expressed interest in economics materials developed with Canva for Education.
- · 100% preferred learning content presented through designs, slides, videos, and multimedia features.
- · 100% supported the inclusion of audio elements in learning materials.
The expert validation process also produced positive results. Both content
experts and media experts concluded that the Canva-assisted teaching materials
were appropriate and feasible for classroom implementation. Students responded
positively to the developed materials, indicating that the visual and
interactive features made learning more enjoyable and easier to understand.
According to the researchers, Canva for Education provides opportunities to
transform traditional classroom instruction into a more engaging learning
environment. Its multimedia capabilities allow teachers to present information
through visuals, videos, graphics, and collaborative activities that encourage
active student participation.
The study also aligns with modern educational theories that emphasize active
learning. Rather than passively receiving information, students interact with
content, explore concepts independently, and collaborate with classmates. These
experiences help learners develop a deeper understanding of economic concepts
while strengthening creativity and communication skills.
Beyond improving classroom engagement, the findings suggest broader
implications for educational innovation. Schools can use Canva for Education as
a cost-effective tool to support digital transformation and enhance the quality
of learning materials. Teachers can also save time through ready-made templates
while creating more professional and visually appealing educational content.
The researchers believe that wider adoption of multimedia-based teaching
materials could help schools strengthen students’ digital literacy, creativity,
collaboration, and critical thinking skills—competencies increasingly required
in the 21st-century learning environment.
Author Profiles
- Maryana
Umbase - Universitas Negeri Manado
- Jerry
R.H. Wuisang - Universitas
Negeri Manado
- Edwin
Wanta - Negeri
Manado
- Johny
Taroreh - Universitas
Negeri Manado
- Amsye
Winokan - Bisnis,
Universitas Negeri Manado.
Research Source
Umbase, M., Wuisang, J.R.H., Wantah, E., Taroreh, J., & Winokan, A.
(2026). Development of Social Studies Teaching Materials Assisted by Canva
for Education at Junior High Schools in Bitung City. Journal of
Educational Analytics (JEDA), Vol. 5 No. 2, May 2026, pp. 297–310.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jeda.v5i2.17
Journal Website: https://journaljeda.my.id/index.php/jeda
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