Langsa – The PKM (Community Service) Team comprised of lecturers from Universitas Samudra (Unsam) organized an Integrated Website-Based Independent Curriculum Competency Strengthening Training for SMA/SMK Teachers in Langsa City. The training took place in the Hall of the Aceh Provincial Education Service Office, Langsa City Regional Education Office Branch, on Monday, April 9, 2023. It was attended by teachers from approximately 30 high schools and vocational schools in Langsa City. Additionally, the leadership and staff of the Langsa City Regional Education Office Branch were present on this occasion.
The Unsam lecturer team, responsible for organizing the event, was chaired by Dr. Rima Meilita Sari, S.Pd., M.Pd., and included Dr. Tengku Muhammad Sahudra, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.Si, and Faiz Urfan, S.Pd., M.Pd., along with the participation of two Unsam students. The training revolved around the theme “Innovation to Strengthen Competency in the Independent Curriculum Based on an Integrated Website for High School and Vocational School Teachers in Langsa City.”
Dr. Rima Meilita Sari, S.Pd., M.Pd., stated that this activity was a collaborative effort with the Aceh Provincial Education Office Branch and the Langsa City Regional Office. The primary objective of the training was to introduce innovative learning methods and the utilization of technology and integrated websites in alignment with the Independent Curriculum’s implementation at the SMA/SMK level. Additionally, this initiative served as a manifestation of Community Service, a vital obligation of lecturers under the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The execution of these activities is closely monitored and evaluated by LPPM-PM Unsam.
During the event’s inauguration, Dr. Tengku Muhammad Sahudra, S.Pd., M.Pd., expressed gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Langsa City Education Office Branch for their facilitation of this PKM activity. He extended hope for continued collaboration, envisioning Unsam and the Langsa City Education Office Branch partnering in various forthcoming educational endeavors.
“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity granted by the PKM team of Unsam lecturers, who have diligently facilitated this event as a platform for both socialization and training regarding the Independent Curriculum implementation. Our hope is that participants will actively engage, allowing this socialization and training to significantly expedite the adoption of the Merdeka Curriculum within high schools and vocational schools in Langsa City to its fullest extent.”
The Head of the Langsa City Education Office Branch, Drs. Muhammad Daud, M.M, represented by Mr. Hamzah, M.A, warmly welcomed this initiative. In his address, he expressed gratitude, stating, “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for the enthusiasm exhibited by the Unsam lecturers in offering their valuable services with a highly relevant theme, which pertains to the execution of the Independent Curriculum through an integrated web platform, a resource that is undeniably indispensable for high school and vocational school educators. We anticipate that this endeavor will greatly benefit the development of teachers’ competencies within the Langsa City Education Office Branch’s jurisdiction.”
The training encompassed various instructional components, beginning with an introduction to the utilization of digital technology and integrated websites presented by Dr. Rima Meilita Sari, S.Pd., M.Pd. Subsequently, participants, representing high school and vocational school teachers in attendance, engaged in hands-on learning sessions focused on the application of web-based learning technology.
Dr. Rima elaborated on the transitions accompanying the shift from the 2013 Curriculum to the Independent Curriculum. This shift entailed several modifications, including the transformation of the Teaching Module for Middle School Students, which was previously known as the Learning Implementation Plan (RPP). The Independent Curriculum, introduced by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Indonesia in 2020, has been gradually implemented in secondary schools. Up to the present, it has received a favorable reception within the Education sector. In 2024, the Independent Curriculum is slated for full-scale implementation across secondary schools throughout Indonesia, becoming the National Curriculum.
“For the Merdeka Curriculum Teaching Modules, teachers are able to develop their own learning technologies. This empowerment grants teachers the autonomy to structure Teaching Modules, create custom content, and select, and modify Teaching Modules that align with the specific context, requirements, and interests of the students they encounter. One effective approach is through digitalization using website-based educational tools.”
He further elaborated on the process of preparing web-based teaching modules. Based on a survey conducted by a team in secondary schools within Langsa City, it was revealed that the utilization of digital technology for instructional purposes by teachers was not yet fully optimized.
“While some schools have begun employing various applications accessible via websites, there are still educational institutions encountering challenges in this area. Here, teachers are urged to carefully choose applications tailored to secondary school students’ learning needs. Additionally, it is imperative for educators to acquire proficiency in digital media, as this not only facilitates the presentation of educational content but also enhances students’ comprehension of the learning materials.”
Dr. Irma further emphasized, “In reality, the incorporation of digital technology in educational settings is not a recent development. Many educational activities have transitioned towards the utilization of a diverse range of digital media applications. Traditional teaching materials, once found in printed books, can now be transformed into digital formats. Similarly, teaching aids and assessment tools for learning can harness applications accessible via websites.”
During the training, participants engaged in hands-on practice, employing one of the website-based applications known as ‘Wordwall’. This application boasts numerous features that facilitate interactive learning, including the implementation of game-based evaluation tools. In this approach, students engage in activities akin to playing a game, yet the context and content are inherently educational in nature.
“The teachers enthusiastically engaged in practical exercises during the training. Initially, we listed on slides the media commonly used by teachers in their teaching, and then we guided the participants to access the Padlet application. From this, it became evident that most teachers frequently employ PowerPoint, Canva, Kahoot, and Quizizz; these applications are prevalent in teaching. For instructional purposes, they often use Canva and PowerPoint.”
The Padlet application is an online platform best described as a digital whiteboard. It allows both teachers and students to share notes on the same page, including document files, audio, videos, or images.
“This is where we introduce novel solutions and innovations by utilizing the Wordwall website. In fact, Kahoot and Quizizz serve as evaluation tools as well. On Wordwall, we have the flexibility to alter templates and themes. For instance, if students have a preference for adventure-style games, we can adapt the theme accordingly, while maintaining the educational content and context.”
Dr. Rima highlighted that students have a fondness for learning through games, and the Wordwall application is also accessible via mobile phones. Typically, after the teacher’s explanation, students can engage in reflection or provide feedback. We provide a link, such as a WhatsApp class group, for students to access and complete the questions online through the website.
“We present these innovations to teachers with the goal of piquing students’ interest in learning, boosting their enthusiasm for education, and preventing boredom or disengagement. The use of appropriate learning media, including the integrated use of web-based tools, can significantly impact students’ learning outcomes. This is the core message we have conveyed to teachers during this training,” concluded Dr. Rima. (Unsam Humas)