Use of Powtoon as a Technology-Based Creative Learning Medium: A Systematic Literature Review ^†

Abstract

The integration of digital technology into education has significantly shifted traditional teaching methods toward more interactive and student-centered learning. This literature review investigates the use of Powtoon, a web-based animation platform, as a creative learning medium in elementary thematic education. The study aims to explore how Powtoon enhances student motivation, engagement, and academic outcomes through interactive visuals and storytelling. A review of previous studies reveals that Powtoon is effective across various subjects, including science, mathematics, language, and social studies, improving student focus, knowledge retention, and learning enjoyment. The research method involves analyzing empirical studies that report the educational impact of Powtoon in classroom settings. Results show that Powtoon promotes active learning, supports the development of 21st-century skills, and bridges the gap between available technology and its implementation in elementary schools, where traditional teaching still prevails. The novelty of this review lies in its focus on Powtoon’s role in cross-disciplinary thematic instruction, offering new insights beyond subject-specific usage. The study concludes that Powtoon holds strong potential as a pedagogical tool and recommends its broader adoption to foster creative, engaging, and technology-integrated learning environments in elementary education.

1. Introduction

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing educational quality across all levels of instruction. Its integration into the classroom has brought significant benefits, including broader access to learning resources, increased flexibility in teaching strategies, and improved student engagement [1]. Technology-assisted learning enables educators to deliver more personalized and interactive experiences by utilizing multimedia tools tailored to diverse learning styles [2]. These innovations have shown promise in boosting student motivation, understanding, and enjoyment of the learning process [3,4].

The modern educational landscape is undergoing rapid transformation due to globalization and technological advancement [5,6]. A notable shift is occurring from traditional, teacher-centered instruction to student-centered learning environments. This transition is driven largely by the use of interactive multimedia, which fosters multisensory engagement and deeper learning [7,8,9]. Research consistently indicates that such tools enhance student participation and lead to more meaningful educational experiences [10]. Among various digital tools, interactive animation platforms such as Powtoon have emerged as accessible and effective learning media.

Powtoon is a web-based animation platform that allows educators to design dynamic, multimedia-rich content that combines animation, text, and audio in an engaging format [11]. Its application in education has been associated with improvements in student motivation, comprehension, and performance across a range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, and history [12]. At the elementary level, Powtoon has been reported to increase student engagement and motivation, while also enhancing focus and retention at the secondary level [13]. Furthermore, it assists teachers in delivering structured and visually appealing lessons, thereby improving teaching effectiveness [14].

Despite the wide availability of educational technologies, their practical implementation, especially in elementary schools, remains limited. Many educators still rely heavily on traditional teaching methods, which may not align with the digital habits and expectations of today’s learners [15]. Therefore, there is a growing need to explore the integration of interactive digital tools like Powtoon in primary classrooms to foster active learning and address issues of disengagement and low motivation.

Previous studies have demonstrated the positive impacts of Powtoon through expert validation, feasibility testing, and comparative evaluations of learning outcomes between control and experimental groups [16]. However, most of these studies focus on subject-specific applications. What distinguishes this study is its focus on the use of Powtoon within the context of thematic learning in elementary education—a cross-disciplinary approach that mirrors the integrated nature of primary school curricula.

The main aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of Powtoon in enhancing motivation and learning outcomes in elementary thematic education, and to investigate student perceptions of its use. By examining Powtoon in this context, the study contributes to the understanding of how interactive media can be meaningfully integrated into early education and how it supports the development of 21st-century skills. The findings provide insights for educators seeking innovative ways to make learning more engaging, accessible, and effective.

2. Literature Review

This study uses the systematic literature review (SLR) method to identify, evaluate, and synthesize various relevant studies on the use of Powtoon as a technology-based creative learning medium. Through this approach, the literature review is structured based on three main categories found in the literature: (1) technology in modern education, (2) interactive learning media, and (3) effectiveness of using Powtoon in elementary education.

3. Research Method

This study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to comprehensively examine the use of Powtoon as a technology-based creative learning medium. This summary presents findings from four systematic literature reviews (SLRs) that focus on creative learning and technology in education. Marleny Luque Carbajal and M. Baranauskas [17] explore enactive interactions in creative learning environments, highlighting characteristics such as embodiment and collaboration that foster innovation. Ratu Sarah Fauziah Iskandar and D. Juandi [18] analyze the impact of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) on students’ creative thinking, concluding that RME significantly improves these skills through a systematic review protocol. Examine technology acceptance models in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for qualitative studies. Finally, Muneera Bano et al. [19] review mobile learning in science and mathematics education, revealing the underutilization of mobile technologies and suggesting areas for future research. Collectively, these studies underscore the importance of innovative educational approaches and technology integration in improving learning outcomes. The SLR method was chosen to compile, evaluate, and synthesize relevant previous research findings in the context of education and interactive multimedia technology. The study was designed as a systematic review of scientific literature with a descriptive qualitative approach. This process was conducted systematically and transparently to ensure traceable and replicable results. The steps in the SLR process refer to Kitchenham’s [20] procedure, which includes (1) identification of research questions, (2) literature search and selection, and (3) data extraction and synthesis.

3.1. Identifying Research Questions

The first step in the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, according to Kitchenham [20], is identifying research questions. This stage is the main foundation that will determine the direction and focus of the entire literature review process. Therefore, research questions must be formulated clearly, relevantly, and can be answered based on the evidence available in the scientific literature.

Recent research highlights the effectiveness of Powtoon, a technology-based creative learning media, in improving educational outcomes in various subjects. Powtoon’s animated features create an engaging and interactive learning environment that enhances student motivation and understanding [21].

Recent research has explored the potential of digital learning media to enhance students’ engagement, creativity, and digital literacy skills in higher education. Gamified problem-based learning environments have been shown to significantly improve students’ perceived digital literacy skills and creative self-concept [22]. More detailed data found is presented in

Table 1. Questions and motivations.

Question	Motivation
How does the use of Powtoon affect students’ motivation in basic thematic learning?	Exploring the extent to which the use of Powtoon can increase students’ learning motivation, especially at the elementary school level, by applying a thematic approach. How Powtoon is able to arouse students’ enthusiasm, attention, and interest in the material being taught.
How does Powtoon-based Learning affect students’ academic achievement?	Evaluation of students’ learning outcomes or academic achievements after participating in learning that utilizes Powtoon media.
How do students view the use of Powtoon in learning activities?	Exploring aspects of students’ perceptions and experiences when using Powtoon in the learning process

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3.2. Literature Search and Selection

A systematic literature search is an essential component of a systematic review, which involves a structured process to identify relevant studies [23]. The literature search process begins with the formulation of an appropriate keyword strategy, such as “Powtoon in learning”, “creative learning media”, “Powtoon and student motivation”, and “digital animation in education”. These keywords were used in various leading academic databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Garuda (Digital Reference Book), with a publication year limit between 2015 and 2025 to ensure the freshness of the studies. The literature results obtained are presented in

Table 2. Literature selection results.

Nidar Yusuf, Dewi Setiyaningsih, Nanda Giyatri Lestari	Rahma Zulvyanti dan Siti Mas’ula	Achmad Asmayanti, Herman Budiyono, Siti Syuhada	Ahmad Arif Fadilah, Irna Sukmawati, Eka Yulyawan Kurniawan
Methodology Review
Powtoon	Powtoon	Powtoon	Powtoon
Year of Publication
2020	2024	2022	2022
Database Article Year
2015–2020	2019–2024	2017–2022	2017–2022
Subject
Thematic Subjects	Thematic Subjects	Thematic Subjects	Thematic Subjects
Research Questions
The use of Powtoon audiovisual media in increasing student learning motivation in thematic learning at elementary level	The effectiveness of Powtoon in improving learning outcomes in thematic learning. Powtoon’s contribution to motivation and cognitive abilities.	The use of Powtoon-based video media in thematic learning for intellectually disabled students.	The use of Powtoon can increase students’ interest in learning thematic learning. Students’ responses to the use of Powtoon in thematic learning.
Keywords
Powtoon Audiovisual Media, Learning Motivation, The-matic Subjects.	Learning Media, Thematic Learning, Learning Effectiveness.	Learning Media, Powtoon- Based Videos, Thematic Learning, Mentally Disabled Students.	Powtoon, Interest in Learning, Thematic Learning.
Research result
Powtoon significantly increases students’ learning motivation. It is perceived as interactive, engaging, and enjoyable. Motivation scores increased by 19.04 points in the experimental group.	Powtoon significantly improves Grade III students’ ability to read fairy tales and enhances academic achievement in literacy learning. The impact is statistically significant (p = 0.000 < 0.05).	Powtoon improves focus for students with intellectual disabilities. It supports teaching for students with memory challenges. Teachers find Powtoon helpful for delivering material effectively.	Powtoon boosts students’ interest, especially females. Motivation rises with more engaging material. Visuals aid learning, but some students feel online fatigue.
Advantages
Powtoon increases students’ motivation by being interactive, engaging, and supporting creative multimedia presentations.	Powtoon significantly improves Grade III students’ reading ability and academic achievement in literacy.	Powtoon improves focus and supports memory-challenged students, helping teachers deliver material effectively.	Powtoon boosts students’ interest, especially among females, by providing engaging visuals that increase motivation.
Limitations
It requires stable internet, teacher technological skills, is time-consuming to create, and the free version has limited features.	The effectiveness may depend on factors such as access to technology, teacher proficiency, and the time required to prepare materials.	Its use may be limited by teachers’ technological skills, preparation time, and access to appropriate devices.	Some students experience online fatigue during use.

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3.3. Data Extraction and Synthesis

A systematic literature review (SLR) is a method to thoroughly analyze existing research by collecting and organizing key information from selected studies [24,25]. This review focuses on Powtoon as a teaching tool in Indonesian elementary schools, showing it can boost students’ motivation and learning outcomes in various subjects [26,27].

The reviewed studies consistently show that Powtoon improves students’ interest and motivation and positively affects their learning results, especially in thematic subjects. For example, Nidar Yusuf et al. [28] found motivation scores increased significantly from 28.44 to 47.48 with Powtoon use. Rahma Zulvyanti and Siti Mas’ula [29] confirmed Powtoon helps grade III students improve reading fairy tales, with statistically significant results. Asmayanti et al. [30] showed Powtoon supports special needs students by helping them focus and understand lessons, with teachers noting it simplifies explanations. Fadilah et al. [31] found most students felt more enthusiastic using Powtoon, though experiences varied by gender and online learning habits.

Three main conclusions emerge: Powtoon effectively raises student motivation and engagement, improves academic performance in literacy and thematic learning, and receives positive feedback from both students and teachers. Its animations and visuals make learning more interactive and enjoyable, enhancing understanding and creativity.

Overall, Powtoon is an innovative and flexible learning tool suited for 21st-century education. It helps improve academic achievement and develops students’ broader learning skills. Therefore, Powtoon is recommended as an effective medium to support creative and meaningful teaching and learning.

4. Result and Discussion

The results of the literature review show that Powtoon, as a creative technology-based learning medium, consistently has a positive impact in the context of primary education, particularly in thematic learning. Its use significantly enhances student learning motivation, with average motivation scores increasing from 28.44 to 47.48 (Nidar Yusuf et al.) [28]. Powtoon’s appealing visuals and interactive features help attract students’ attention and boost their enthusiasm toward learning materials.

Beyond affective aspects, students’ academic performance—especially in literacy skills like reading folktales—also improved significantly (Rahma Zulvyanti & Siti Mas’ula) [29]. Powtoon has proven beneficial even in inclusive classrooms. For students with special needs, its combination of visual and audio elements helps increase focus and comprehension (Asmayanti et al.) [30]. Teachers reported that Powtoon supports the delivery of content, especially for students with memory limitations. Most students found Powtoon-based learning to be more enjoyable and easier to understand, although a few expressed boredom due to the extended duration of online learning (Fadilah et al.) [31].

4.1. The Role of Powtoon in Thematic Learning

Powtoon plays a crucial role in supporting thematic learning at the primary school level. It enables the integration of multiple subjects into engaging and contextual presentations [32]. By combining text, images, audio, and animation, Powtoon helps students understand cross-disciplinary concepts more effectively.

Studies have shown a significant increase in student motivation when Powtoon is used in thematic instruction [28]. Teachers also benefit from using Powtoon, as it helps simplify complex content and supports the independent development of computer-based instructional media [33]. Powtoon’s visual-narrative approach not only delivers information but also encourages students to think critically and reflectively. Therefore, Powtoon serves not only as a teaching aid but also as a facilitator of holistic and meaningful learning experiences.

4.2. Discussion and Implications

These findings align with previous studies that emphasize the importance of visual and interactive media in improving the quality of basic education. In the context of 21st-century learning, Powtoon responds to the need for media that is both informative and capable of fostering active student engagement.

Practically, teachers can utilize Powtoon as an alternative medium for designing creative, engaging, and student-friendly instruction, particularly for thematic and literacy-based content. Additionally, Powtoon offers advantages in inclusive education and supports differentiated teaching approaches in diverse classrooms.

4.3. Strengths and Limitations of Powtoon

Powtoon is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface and ability to create engaging animated videos that significantly boost student motivation and participation in learning activities. According to Adlin [34], Powtoon “enables educators to produce visually appealing content without requiring advanced technical skills,” making it accessible for teachers of varying expertise. Additionally, Baker [35] explains that Powtoon’s combination of animation, audio, and text supports multiple learning styles, which helps improve student comprehension and retention. Furthermore, Clark [36] notes that Powtoon’s drag-and-drop templates “simplify the content creation process and save preparation time for educators.”

However, Powtoon also has some limitations. As stated by Adlin [34], the platform “depends heavily on a stable internet connection,” which can be problematic in areas with limited access. Baker [35] also points out that Powtoon “offers limited real-time interactivity,” reducing opportunities for active student engagement during lessons. Finally, Clark [36] warns that Powtoon “may not be suitable for explaining complex or abstract concepts” that require detailed explanation or hands-on learning experiences.

4.4. Future Research Directions

Future studies should explore the use of Powtoon in other educational levels, such as secondary or middle school, and investigate its effectiveness for different learning styles. Longitudinal research is also needed to examine Powtoon’s long-term impact on students’ critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills.

5. Conclusions

Recent research highlights that Powtoon, an online animated video application, serves as an effective and creative technology-based learning medium, particularly in the context of thematic learning at the elementary level. Studies have demonstrated that videos created using Powtoon can significantly enhance students’ learning interest, critical thinking abilities, academic performance, and mastery of scientific concepts [37,38]. The platform’s combination of audiovisual elements with engaging animations has been proven to increase student motivation and participation, contributing to a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Empirical evidence at the elementary level shows a marked improvement in students’ motivation following the integration of Powtoon into classroom instruction [27]. In addition, the use of this media has been linked to improved academic outcomes, particularly in literacy and thematic comprehension. According to Nurazizah [39], learning media play a crucial role in supporting academic success, with Powtoon offering an engaging and flexible tool that facilitates deeper learning.

Positive feedback from both students and teachers further underscores the benefits of using Powtoon. Students report a more enjoyable and meaningful learning experience, while teachers exhibit increased enthusiasm and motivation when adopting this tool in their teaching practices [40]. Moreover, the platform’s alignment with the development of 21st-century competencies—such as creativity, communication, and digital literacy—reinforces its value as an innovative alternative to conventional instructional methods.

Given these findings, there is a strong case for the broader integration of Powtoon into elementary education. Encouraging its adoption can contribute to the creation of a more innovative, adaptive, and inclusive learning environment that meets the evolving needs of today’s digital-native learners.

6. Study Limitations

This literature study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings. First, the focus is limited to the use of Powtoon in elementary education, particularly in thematic learning, which restricts the generalizability of the results to other educational levels or learning contexts. For example, increased learning interest was found especially among female students [31], and the tool was used in specific topics such as comic creation [26].

Second, the study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) method, relying on articles published between 2015 and 2025 and accessed from selected databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Garuda. This limits the scope and quality of the reviewed literature. Technical challenges, such as limited knowledge of citation management tools, were also found to hinder the quality of academic writing [41].

Third, this study did not include field testing or direct experimentation, so all findings are based on secondary data, which may vary in methodology and implementation context. Fourth, most of the data analyzed are quantitative descriptive, which does not capture the in-depth perceptions and experiences of individual students and teachers [42].

Therefore, the results of this study should be seen as a preliminary foundation for future research that is more empirical and contextual, to gain deeper insights into the effectiveness of Powtoon across diverse learning environments.