Thursina IIBS Teacher As National Representative Speaker in STEM Education of Asia
Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) Physics teacher, Ustadz Helmi Pakas Rivai, M.Pd., was selected to represent Indonesia as a speaker in the TIESEA Capacity Building and Dissemination Workshop Indonesia (26/04). Following an interview, he was declared as Indonesian Super User Teacher on the PhET Interactive Simulations platform, one of the Educational Technology (EdTech) media to improve the quality of learning in the classroom. TIESEA stands for Technology-enabled Innovation in Education in Southeast Asia. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to increase the use of EdTech in education systems in four countries, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam.
In his presentation, he highlighted the use of STEM-based educational technology by utilizing interactive simulations on the PhET platform as an effective tool in learning. Also, there is introduction to various benefits of using the platform, including increasing students' interest in learning, improving learning experience and understanding concepts. "PhET is an excellent interactive simulation website for teachers in learning. It supports teacher for training students in preparation of both national and international competitions"he said.
Some stakeholders from within and outside the country attended to share knowledge and experience. They were the Director General of Teachers and Education Personnel, Prof. Dr. Nunuk Suryani, M.Pd., representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other representatives of all participating countries, Vietnam, Cambodia and Philippines.
Besides, educational experts and consultants from abroad contributed to enriching discussions and understanding the challenges and opportunities in improving the quality of education, especially in the context of STEM learning. "All praise be to Allah, the agenda run smoothly and the presentation received good feedbacks from the audience. Several parties showed their interest to collaborate with me as a super user teacher (PhET platform) and offered to join international events," he added.
At the end, he advised fellow teachers to foster creativity by updating and learning more regarding the application of technology in learning to not lagging behind. “We need to enrich our abilities and skills as teachers by using Educational Technology (EdTech) in learning. It really supports student's learning in the classroom, encouraging to understand the topics effortlessly as well as to do research. "We inspire our students to expand the use of technology and educate them to be responsible with it," he concluded. (hel/lil)
