Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Applications (JAIEA)
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): October 2026

Clustering Students' Level of Understanding of Information and Communication Technology Subjects using the K-Means Algorithm

Adinda Febrina (STMIK Kaputama)
Suci Ramadani (STMIK Kaputama)
Imeldawaty Gultom (STMIK Kaputama)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Oct 2026

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within the Merdeka Curriculum requires students not only to operate technology but also to understand basic computational concepts and problem-solving, so its success depends heavily on students' level of understanding. The problem is that at SMA Negeri 3 Binjai, students' understanding is uneven, and the available academic score data has not been processed to map patterns of understanding, making it difficult for teachers to determine appropriate learning interventions. As a solution, this study applies the K-Means Clustering algorithm to 634 student score records covering practicum assignment scores, midterm (UTS) scores, and final-exam (UAS) scores, which are transformed into categorical codes based on the Learning Objective Achievement Criteria (KKTP), standardized, and then grouped through the CRISP-DM stages using the Python programming language. The number of clusters is tested over the range K = 2 to 10 using the Silhouette Score and the Davies-Bouldin Index. The results establish K = 3 as the outcome because it is the most pedagogically actionable, with a Silhouette Score of 0.553 and a Davies-Bouldin Index of 0.849, dividing students into High (11.1%), Medium (70.0%), and Low (19.0%) understanding groups. In conclusion, K-Means can map students' level of understanding of ICT objectively, providing a basis for teachers to design more targeted learning strategies.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JAIEA

Publisher

Subject

Automotive Engineering Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering

Description

The Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Applications (JAIEA) is a peer-reviewed journal. The JAIEA welcomes papers on broad aspects of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering which is an always hot topic to study, but not limited to, cognition and AI applications, engineering ...