Digital technology in education is the second priority issue in the G20 Education Working Group (EdWG). This issue was discussed on the first day of the inaugural EdWG G20 meeting in Yogyakarta. Chair of the G20 Education Working Group (EdWG) Iwan Syahril said the use of strategic and appropriate technology in education plays a key role in efforts to rebuild education while encouraging quality learning for the nation’s children. However, technology still cannot replace the role of teachers as educators who stand at the forefront.
On the other hand, teachers around the world are also struggling with the fast-paced transition to online learning. Speaking in his position as Director-General of Teachers and Education Personnel of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Iwan said that teachers in Indonesia have succeeded in adapting and learning through these challenges. Many teachers were initially not ready to teach online. However, teachers in Indonesia face the challenge. They learn new ways of teaching and adapt.
The government takes this as a momentum to optimise the digitalisation of education, one of which is through the Merdeka Mengajar Platform which is specially designed for teachers to learn from each other. The Merdeka Mengajar Platform, which was launched as Merdeka Learning Episode Fifteenth, is a technology platform provided to become a driving companion for teachers in teaching, learning, and creating.
This initiative enables all students in Indonesia to get a quality education that is developed from the creativity and innovative ideas of teachers through the Merdeka Mengajar Platform. “Therefore, technology will not replace the role of teachers as mentors for children, where teachers will always stand at the forefront to determine the future of our children’s education, hopes and dreams.
The delegation from the United Kingdom also agreed that digital technology has an important role in the education sector. This was conveyed by Nikita Pantal, International Partnerships Team Leader, Department for Education from the United Kingdom. Today, the UK sees digital skills as critical to supporting a successful economy. By investing in digital education, the UK can build a diverse program for the future. Indonesia believes that the strategic and appropriate use of technology in education will support joint efforts to rebuild education and promote quality learning for all children.
The government encourages education units to use digital technology so they can monitor the development of the pandemic in each education unit. One example is the holding of a QR code in each school to monitor the spread of the virus in schools. By using digital technology, it will speed up our follow-up if Covid-19 cases are found. To support limited Face-to-Face Learning monitoring, the Basic Education Data (Dapodik) or Education Management Information System (EMIS) has been integrated with the PeduliLindungi application.
Each educational unit is required to have a QR Code installed for the Care Protect application at the entrance and exit area of the education unit. The allotment of the QR Code for the PeduliLindung application is to collect data on guests or visitors who enter the education unit area. In addition, the person in charge of the education unit is also required to verify the WhatsApp number on the website www.kemenkes.go.id or madrasahaman.kemenkes.go.id.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, the implementation of the Independent Curriculum is supported by the Merdeka Teaching Platform (Merdeka Mengajar). The platform provides a reference for teachers to develop teaching practices in accordance with the Independent Curriculum. The platform is an educational platform that can be a driving companion for teachers in realising Pancasila Students. Essentially, the platform has three functions, namely helping teachers to teach, learn and create.
