UNS — The Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program (PGSD), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, hosted the Visiting Lecture Techno Educare #2, inviting Dr. Mazarul Hasan Mohamad Hanapi from Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI), Tanjong Malim, Malaysia. The event was conducted virtually through the Zoom Cloud Meeting and Live Broadcast on the PGSD FKIP UNS Youtube channel.
In his speech, Dr. Mardiyana, M.Sc., as the Dean of FKIP UNS, emphasized the importance of studying technological advances in this era of the industrial revolution 4.0. The Covid-19 pandemic requires all parties to take advantage of technology, including various learning activities. He also conveys the hope for student and lecturer exchanges between FKIP UNS and UPSI. “It will be great if the younger students can learn directly. Thus, you will learn not only the science but also the culture in Malaysia. I think students can also learn various good practices in Malaysia directly,” said Dr. Mardiyana, Tuesday (12/21/2021).
The event continued with the presentation by Dr. Mazarul Hasan. Who delivers the important role of technology in increasing student understanding during learning activities. The presence of technology certainly attracts students’ interest in learning. Various kinds of technology-based learning features provide a different learning experience for students. Technology opens students’ critical thinking regarding the latest ways of delivering education. Another advantage offered is the implementation of a more flexible learning time.
In building digital-based learning, Dr. Mazarul Hasan encourages all teaching and learning actors to take advantage of various educational forms offered by available applications. In Malaysia, several applications such as Google Classroom, Schoology, Edmodo, and many others are commonly used as a means of teaching and learning activities. The framework for digital-based learning also needs to be adjusted. This effort is taken to attract students’ interest in learning.
There are two main challenges faced in implementing digital learning activities, namely technical skills, and attitude change. Technical problems can be minimized by providing adequate digital-based learning facilities and infrastructure. “The most difficult obstacle for the implementation of digital learning in schools is related to the students’ ability. Because, in Malaysia, not all parents can provide facilities for their children,” explained Dr. Mazarul Hasan.
The next challenge is students’ attitudes tranformation related to the adaptation process. Adaptation to the use of technology require considerable period for each person. According to Dr. Mazarul Hasan, not everyone can quickly adapt, even though the supporting facilities provided are available.
Dr. Mazarul Hasan closed his presentation by encouraging studies concerning the use of technology in learning activities. This is because the education norms have changed with the implementation of technology. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti