EduAsiaNews, Malang — The Alumni Association of Universitas Negeri Malang (IKA UM) continues to encourage the strengthening of teachers’ quality and roles in educating the nation’s future generations. Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), IKA UM organized a discussion entitled “Webinar on Accelerating Teacher Professionalism in the AI Era: Empowered Teachers, Meaningful Learning.”
The event, which was held online via Zoom on Saturday (17/01), reflected IKA UM’s commitment to supporting the enhancement of teachers’ competencies in the digital era.
Through this activity, IKA UM presented three experienced speakers in the field of education: Ary Sunaryo, S.T., M.Pd., a postgraduate alumnus of Universitas Negeri Malang and a teacher at SMKN 1 Boyolangu; Pipit Andriani, S.Pd., S.S., M.H., an alumna of the Faculty of Letters of Universitas Negeri Malang and an Indonesian language teacher as well as an International Relations instructor at Surabaya Intercultural School; and Rian Priyo Hardi, S.Pd., CT.NNLP, a Professional Soft Skill Trainer.
The three speakers discussed the impact of AI on Indonesian educational culture and strategies for teachers to respond to it professionally.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of IKA UM, Prof. Dr. Suparno, emphasized the alumni organization’s commitment to continuously empowering members of the educational community.
“The Alumni Association of Universitas Negeri Malang consistently seeks to empower and embrace all new developments that can enhance our knowledge and experience in daily life,” he stated.
Responding to the widespread and sometimes inappropriate use of AI by students, Pipit Andriani highlighted the importance of teachers’ roles in maintaining competency achievement.
“AI is like a calculator. We use it not because we cannot calculate, but to save time. Teachers must continue to teach competencies, and students must continue to learn in accordance with learning targets,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Ary Sunaryo explained that teachers need to guide the use of AI through deep learning approaches. Hands-on practice with students was considered effective, while also instilling awareness of the importance of maintaining privacy and data security on AI platforms.
In closing, Rian Priyo Hardi emphasized the human ability to choose the best responses amid the overwhelming flow of information. According to him, optimizing the function of the neocortex enables teachers to remain creative and professional. This aligns with IKA UM’s efforts to support teachers in facing educational challenges in the AI era in an adaptive and meaningful manner.
