<![CDATA[The rapid expansion of digital learning in the era of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0 has improved technological proficiency in education but has also contributed to a decline in students’ cultural literacy and connection to local wisdom. This study aims to develop and evaluate an Ethno-STEAM–based digital learning medium designed to enhance high school students’ cultural literacy by integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with local cultural knowledge. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) methodology using the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate), the study involved 30 Grade X students at a public high school in Indonesia, supported by two science teachers and validated by three experts in media, subject matter, and culture. Data were collected through expert validation sheets, student response questionnaires, and cultural literacy pretest–posttest instruments. The results indicate that the developed media achieved a high level of validity (88.3%) and practicality (87.4%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in students’ cultural literacy, with a mean score increase from 54.27 to 82.13, a moderate–high N-Gain score of 0.61, and a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 3.36). These findings demonstrate that Ethno-STEAM digital media not only enhances academic understanding but also strengthens students’ cultural pride and identity. The study concludes that culturally responsive digital learning media offer a promising pedagogical approach for balancing technological advancement with cultural preservation in contemporary education]]>
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