LOW-COST PORTABLE SMAW WELDING SIMULATOR AS LEARNING MEDIA FOR SENSORY-IMPAIRED VOCATIONAL TRAINEES
Abstract
Vocational training for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) conventionally relies on real-time verbal instruction, presenting a critical communication barrier for sensory-impaired trainees. The mandatory use of welding helmets obstructs essential visual cues, such as lip-reading and sign language, thereby preventing immediate corrective feedback on fundamental welding parameters. Consequently, technical errors are often only identified after the welding process is complete, which prolongs the learning curve and increases material waste. To address this pedagogical gap, this study aimed to develop a portable, low-cost SMAW simulator as an inclusive learning medium for trainees with sensory disabilities at Sentra Terpadu Inten Soewono and to evaluate its feasibility. The study employed the Research and Development (R&D) method using the 4D model consisting of the define, design, develop, and disseminate stages. The resulting product is a sensor-based welding simulator that provides real-time visual feedback through LED indicators and a Python-based evaluation dashboard. The learning media was evaluated through expert validation and user testing. The expert validation achieved a feasibility score of 89% and 99%, while the user evaluation obtained 91.32%, both categorized as very feasible. The findings indicate that the simulator is suitable as a learning medium to help trainees practice fundamental SMAW welding competencies before performing actual welding using standard equipment.
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