Newbie to Expert: Witnessing the Growth of Teacher and Student Potential in Digital Learning
Merdeka Belajar Curriculum focuses on intraculricular diverse learning that supports students to have enough time to explore concepts and strengthen competencies. In its implementation, teachers have the flexibility to be able to choose a variety of teaching tools according to learning needs and student interests. Teachers can also utilise a variety of interactive and fun teaching methods through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in accordance with learning needs. Therefore, teachers are expected to be able to adapt and continue to be technology literate.
WVI through the T4CED project, in collaboration with partners Kalananti by Ruang Guru, has conducted two trainings related to increasing the capacity of teachers and students in the field of digital and communication technology. The first training was Training of Computer for Teachers with the theme Teacher on Training Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The second training was the Series of Computer Course for Elementary Students. This training was conducted in six schools in East Jakarta and North Jakarta.
"Honestly, before this learning activity, I had zero knowledge of using computers, either in learning materials or to help with school administration such as filling out report cards," said Sujana, one of the trainees and a senior teacher. He actively participated throughout the training, which was conducted at the end of 2023.
Sujana has been teaching for 19 years. When the e-report system and various education administration processes required teachers to utilise digital tools, Sujana found it difficult to do so. Moreover, at that time, he had to learn by himself and ask for help from other teachers to convert physical documents into digital versions. The digitalisation of the system was also not supported by adequate equipment. The computer laboratory at the school where Sujana teaches is not viable. This also affected the teacher's teaching methods, which were considered less interesting by students.
Seeing this need, the T4CED project, in collaboration with the school, renovated the computer laboratory. "The renovation of the computer lab and the renewing of the digital devices have influenced us teachers to continue our passion for learning. This programme has provided an opportunity for teachers to improve their digital skills so that they can make good use of the facilities that have been supported by WVI as a partner of World Vision Korea funded by Kakao Bank," said Sujana.
Having become more adept at using digital tools, Sujana said that he is very interested in using Google Forms for students' daily tests. "I will adopt these methods in the future to make the learning process more effective," he promised.
In addition to training teachers, the project also trained students on basic concepts and programming logic. The students practised creating interactive digital projects and improved their knowledge of digital literacy. To celebrate the completion of the training, the students showcased their work at the Digital Exhibition Tech for Children Education and Development event held in January 2024.
"Before, my friends and I never knew about coding. In my opinion, the most interesting thing was the process of making a game on the Scratch web. Although it was also difficult when I had to put the code blocks in the right place. It was hard but fun," said Rafika, a student who participated in the training. She also presented her work during the exhibition and managed to get a certificate with satisfactory learning results.
The training successfully provided an opportunity for students to develop their digital skills and became one of the positive activities in the school. "This activity brought positive changes to the students. There are students who were not able to use a computer, even switch on the computer correctly. But now they can and are so proficient that they can make games," said Mayanti, Principal of an elementary school in East Jakarta.
Mayanti added, "The response from the parents of the students involved was also very supportive and saw this as a positive activity. While parents whose children have not been able to be involved have expressed interest in having their children involved in future activities,".
The T4CED project has provided an opportunity for every student and teacher to develop their potential. Through the use of technology, students and teachers can learn together to make school activities more interesting. Moreover, this project also supports the implementation process of Merdeka Learning Curriculum in schools.
Author: Parinah Aryani dan Deviana F. Bayhaqi (Coordinator dan officer WVI in Jakarta)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
