SIERRA: An Innovation for 21st Century Education

The world of education in Indonesia is facing an interesting challenge to be anticipated. Thousands of islands spread out in its vast area, heterogenous society, and the dynamic economic growth are among the important factors for education practitioners to realize one of the nation’s future goals, which is to enrich the life of the nation.

Meanwhile, this country is also faced with a new challege to compete with other countries in the world in order to improve its stage of life.  ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is a condition that must be addressed with high qualifed capability. Each and every individual has no other choice but to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to be able to win the competition in the work field. Basic competences that must be obtained by all individuals in this 21^st century are innovative, collaborative, critical thinking and multi-tasking.

The 21^st century individuals also need to be able to apply technology in the field of information and communication. It has been stated in the 21^st century learning concept that requires learners to master 3 skills; Life and Career Skills, Learning and Innovation Skills, and Information, Media, and Technology Skills.

Mastering the use of information technology, media, and communication or ICT Skills means that students are able to access information effectively and efficiently; to critically evaluate information; and to manage information in order to help solve problems. Students are also expected to be able to analyse information media; and to create appropriate media for communicating. In the future this expertise would be very important for human resources to compete in the work field.

The process of acquiring ICT skills begins with digital learning. After knowing and enjoying the application of digital products in their daily life, students are expected to produce digital contents in various format, such as video, audio, animation, and multimedia. What are the facilities needed to support this digital learning process? Minimun items to be prepared are; internet connection, computer lab, satellite, server and personal computers.

As an archipelago country with over that 270 million of population spread out all over 17,000 islands, Indonesia will find it quite challenging to realize the idea of enriching the life of the nation as well as to practice the 21^st century learning concept. Especially whenever it comes to education for remote areas. Obstacles arise from the geographic contours, the unsatisfactory statistical data about technology and internet literacy, to the insufficient ICT facilities provided by the Ministry of Education. Minimum facilities needed to be provided by students to access digital contents are internet connection, computer lab, or personal computers.

Currently SEAMOLEC is developing android-based online test method. SEAMOLEC also is also developing wireless access point to be able to attached with mini server in order to save the use of electricity. (Mid/Aln)

Discussion about the use of SIERRA on Advocacy Forum on SEAMEO Priority Areas no. 7: Adopting the 21st Century Curriculum in Bogor, 25-27 June 2016

SIERRA installation at Open High School (SMA Terbuka) Padalarang

Students of Open High School (SMA Terbuka) Padalarang were accessing SIERRA