To address these challenges, Kemendikbud trains 10,000 teachers annually to become familiar with technology. Meanwhile, to address network issues, Kemendikbud and Kemenkominfo are working to provide internet services to schools.
"We have provided internet services to around 1,420 schools in those areas," said Gogot.
Another challenge is the generational gap between teachers and students. To bridge this gap, a unified framework or platform is needed.
"We are preparing a common platform called Rumah Belajar. Through this platform, teachers and students enter the site, and the learning process happens," Gogot explained.
In many schools that have recently adopted technology-based learning, teachers only use projectors or digital devices to display materials, but teaching methods remain conventional. This shows that the implementation of technology does not always lead to more effective teaching methods.
However, with proper training, technology can enable teachers to deliver more engaging and interactive lessons. Teachers who successfully integrate technology into their teaching can enhance student engagement and simplify the delivery of complex material. The technology training program for teachers, organized through platforms like Guru Penggerak, has trained over 500,000 teachers across Indonesia since 2020.
"Through the Guru Penggerak Education program, we aim to foster a new generation of educational leaders in Indonesia, teachers who respect their students and prioritize them in every decision they make, whether as Principals, School Supervisors, or other forms of educational leadership," Nunuk said.
Technology's Impact on Students
Technology also brings negative effects on students, particularly in terms of concentration and dependence on digital devices. Students are often tempted to play games or access social media during online learning, reducing the effectiveness of their education. Additionally, there is a risk of misinformation (hoaxes) and excessive unfiltered content. Technology diminishes children's concentration, making it harder for them to absorb lessons taught in school. During the pandemic, many students struggled to focus in online learning due to easy access to non-educational apps, such as TikTok and Instagram, causing more distractions than learning.
On the other hand, technology allows students to access a wider range of learning materials, such as educational videos, interactive online materials, and global discussion forums. Students skilled in using technology can develop problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills. In schools that effectively integrate technology, students can access international learning resources like Khan Academy and Coursera, enriching their knowledge beyond what teachers provide.
Technology and Social Inequality
Technology can exacerbate social inequality in education. Students from wealthy families can access better learning devices, while disadvantaged students face obstacles in accessing devices and the internet. This widens the gap between privileged and underprivileged students. Children from low-income families in rural areas often have to study at internet cafes or share one device with other family members, severely limiting their ability to learn effectively compared to children in urban areas.
With government programs like free laptops and internet subsidies, this gap is starting to be addressed. Programs like the Internet Quota Assistance have helped underprivileged students continue participating in distance learning. In 2021, the government, through Kemendikbud, distributed more than 1.8 million free internet packages to students and teachers across Indonesia (Kemendikbud, 2021). Students from rural areas in West Kalimantan can now attend online classes after receiving internet data package assistance from the government, although they previously struggled to access distance education.
