ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ PREFERENCES ON MATHEMATICS MOBILE APPLICATIONS USING FUZZY TOPSIS BASED ON RATINGS OF SUB-CRITERIA

Abstract

This study addresses the challenge of selecting the most effective Mathematics mobile applications amidst a growing array of tools with varied features and user experiences. It presents an analysis of students' preferences using the Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method, based on ratings of various sub-criteria. This research involved collecting and aggregating student feedback on different applications, assessing criteria such as functionality, quality, features and efficiency. Mathematics mobile applications that are frequently used by students are Symbolab, Photomath, Mathway, Malmath, and Cymath. There is a problem identified in this study which the secondary data from Jumadi and Imran (2023) that uses Fuzzy Grade Matrix does not meet the criteria to apply Fuzzy TOPSIS. Therefore, aggregation of sub criteria is done to apply the Fuzzy TOPSIS effectively. There are three objectives in this study which are to transform sub-criteria to criteria using aggregated method, to determine each criterion's fuzzy weight, to rank the mathematical mobile applications using Fuzzy TOPSIS based on ratings of sub-criteria. The use of fuzzy set addressed the inherent uncertainties and subjectivities in these ratings, providing a more accurate and reliable assessment. Subsequently, the Fuzzy TOPSIS method was applied to rank the applications that consists of nine steps in the methodology. Mathematics mobile applications were analyzed, and the rankings are as Symbolab ≈ Photomath ≻ Mathway ≻ Cymath ≻ Malmath.  This shows that Symbolab and Photomath are the most preferred Mathematics mobile applications. For criteria, the rankings are as functionality (X4)≻ quality (X3)≻ features (X1)≻ efficiency (X2). This implies that when it comes to assessing these applications by students, the most crucial criteria are functionality. The findings provide valuable insights for educators and developers, aiding in the selection and improvement of mathematics learning tools.