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, on Wednesday (16/3/2022). 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. According to him, 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 makes this a momentum to optimize the digitalization of education, one of which is through the Merdeka Mengajar Platform which is specially designed for teachers to learn from each other,” said Iwan. 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.
Iwan said the initiative would enable all students in Indonesia to obtain quality education that was 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 educational future, hopes and dreams of our children,” said Iwan.
Responding to Iwan, 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, we can build diverse programs for the future,” said Nikita.
Responding to the delegates’ statement, Iwan closed the meeting by saying that Indonesia believes that the strategic and appropriate use of technology in education will support joint efforts to rebuild education and encourage quality learning for all children. (Desliana Maulipaksi)