Enhancing Education Through Digital Literacy

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the UIII Faculty of Education hosted the second session of its collaborative webinar series with the University of Melbourne, Australia, focusing on digital literacy in education. The event featured Dr. Tati Lathipatud Durriyah, the head of MA in Education study program at UIII and Emily H. White, PhD, Lecturer in Learning Intervention Education at the University of Melbourne, Australia. 

The first speaker, Dr. Tati Lathipatud Durriyah, shared her research on digital literacy perspectives and experiences among high school teachers in the Greater Jakarta area. Her ongoing study, conducted in collaboration with former graduate students, builds on the foundational research which highlighted a gap between students’ use of digital technology in schools and their needs outside the classroom. Dr. Durriyah’s research extends this focus to the perspectives of teachers, using mixed methods that combine surveys and interviews to gather data.   

The preliminary findings of the study revealed that teachers in Jakarta's secondary schools are highly aware of the importance of digital technology in education and have actively integrated it into their classrooms. The majority reported frequent use of devices such as laptops, projectors, and smartphones, as well as digital platforms like Learning Management Systems (LMS). Teachers expressed confidence in their ability to combine technology, pedagogy, and lesson content effectively, indicating a strong belief in the transformative potential of digital tools to enhance teaching and learning.   

Despite these promising trends, challenges persist. Dr. Durriyah pointed out that issues such as unreliable internet connections, limited access to digital devices, and disruptions caused by students using non-educational apps in class remain significant barriers. Additionally, some teachers reported feeling inadequately trained in the integration of digital technology into their teaching practices. 

The findings underscored the proactive measures taken by schools to address these challenges. Many schools provide training, host technology conferences with experts, and support teachers’ personal initiatives to stay updated with technological advancements. Dr. Durriyah noted that such efforts are pivotal in ensuring that teachers remain equipped to meet the evolving demands of digital literacy in education.  

The webinar highlighted the importance of cross-institutional collaborations in addressing global educational challenges. By bringing together educators and researchers from Indonesia and Australia, the event underscored the shared commitment to leveraging digital technology to enhance educational outcomes and bridge the gap between policy, practice, and student needs. 

Click for Dr. Emily H. White’s Presentation: Empowering Students with Disabilities through Digital Literacy

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