February 9, 2024
jakarta – While much in the education industry is still grappling with how to keep generative artificial intelligence (AI) out of schools, students in Pekanbaru, Riau are actively using AI as part of a pioneering local government program. We are making full use of it.
“AI is the key to preparing Riau and Indonesia for the future, thereby realizing the vision of a 'Golden Indonesia' moving towards the anticipated developed country,” Governor Shamsua said at the launch of the program last October. This is reported in a press release. University of Insan Sita Indonesia (UICI).
A Jakarta-based university has developed an AI-based education program that is currently being piloted in some high schools in Riau province. At these schools, students study a carefully selected curriculum at their own pace and location, using computers, whether at home or in a cafe. Teachers monitor pupils' progress closely.
UICI is a pioneer in technology-enabled education in Indonesia. The university bills itself as the country's first “fully digital” university, using an AI digital simulator teaching-learning system that allows students to study anytime, anywhere, with or without an internet connection.
Binas School in Semarang, Central Java, also uses AI and augmented reality to bring abstract subjects to life. Inside purpose-built laboratories, students can explore complex topics such as the solar system in an easy-to-understand and visually appealing way, immerse themselves in an animated prehistoric world and learn about dinosaurs.
These efforts suggest the possibility of a new revolution in education in Indonesia using technology.
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The speed of this revolution will depend on overcoming several challenges.
During the pandemic, the education technology startup sector flourished as students received government funding to take online courses. As funding dried up and students returned to classrooms after the pandemic, excitement for ed-tech startups died down. But technology that improves learning isn't just for startups, as long as it's embraced by traditional educational institutions.
Yandra Arkeman, Professor of Agro-Industrial Technology at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), said AI and the Metaverse will revolutionize learning, eliminating the need for teachers and students to be physically present and making old biology materials obsolete. I envision a world where
“Education is entering the third dimension,” he asserts.
Despite this, Ilham Akbar Habibi, member of the Orbit Future Academy President's Committee, points out that physical presence in Indonesian schools has always been valued. Digitally sharing educational resources has the potential to address the unequal distribution of quality education across the archipelago.
Despite the government's Merdeka Belahar initiative, which allows students to take online courses from other universities, regional restrictions in high school admissions and disapproval of asynchronous online education are hindering the growth of online or distance education.
Alkemann emphasized the urgent need for regulations that can keep pace with technological leaps, particularly in the education sector. Teachers also need to be retrained to harness the full power of the Internet in the classroom.
Additionally, there are concerns about cheating and how students can ask AI tools like ChatGPT to answer online tests.
To address this, the late Hasri Ainun Habibi's Orbit Foundation created Orbit360, an education service to help schools digitally transform. Orbit360 offers an online exam feature that minimizes the chances of students engaging in cheating by imposing a time penalty if the system detects that students are trying to find answers elsewhere. Masu.
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Ilham stressed that in addition to using technology to improve education, Indonesia also needs to improve education on technology.
Ilham believes that the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum and Project-Based Learning (PBL), which applies theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhance students' understanding and application of science and applications. I think it should be mandatory. Indonesian technology.
He emphasized the importance of digital literacy in educational settings, pointing out that depending on the generation, students tend to have higher levels of digital literacy than their parents and teachers.
Digital literacy is considered a significant barrier, as without sufficient understanding, stakeholders may not realize the relevance and benefits of technology-based education systems.
In addition to digital literacy, Ilham also mentioned other barriers in educational technology.
Additional costs. Despite the increasing effectiveness and efficiency of technology use, some parties may be reluctant to change because they are used to legacy systems.
Mr. Alkeman also expressed his expectations for the development of Indonesia's educational technology industry.
“In the future, we hope that Indonesia will not just be a consumer, but a producer of education technology with innovations that will help it become a leader in digital technology,” he said.
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