KOMPETENSI PEDAGOGI ASSIGNMENT : M1 KB1.2

The Analysis of the Reality of Digital Age Connecting to the Teacher and Students’ Characteristics in My Working Place at SMP Negeri 1 Sidamanik

The rapid development of Information, Technology, and Communications (ICT) in the 21st century has affected many aspects of people's lives, including the educational system. Nowadays, we face the changing modes of learning in educational institutions because of the new development era that has entered the digital age. Everything is knowledge-based and everyone needs to master ICT Literacy Skills. Therefore, to build a knowledgeable society, the educational system needs to be well – prepared and well – designed in order to have effective ways to help students facing the real life in the 21st century.

The development of technology in the 21st century also brings positive impact in the learning process in SMP Negeri 1 Sidamanik although it hasn’t had significant progress due to limited facilities that support the use of technology in the learning process. This school has been connected to internet  though the internet signal is not as good as in town. Teachers in this school have started using  technology in the learning process such as using Computer / Laptop. Some teachers can also use the  Infocus Projector to present the teaching material in the classroom, but the quantity of Projector is still limited. The homeroom teacher also has been able to fill out student report using computer application. Teachers also have Smartphone and internet connections that are used for communication and means of searching information by using a search engine (browser) for the benefit of his/her professional development. However, in our schools, there are still teachers who are not yet tech-savvy. They are mostly in their late 50s now. The lack of ICT Literacy Skills that happened is caused by the different generation among teachers and the lack of school facilities. 

In case of lack facilities at my working place, as an English teacher, I have to realize that teacher plays important roles in guiding, directing, and educating students on the learning process. Teacher needs to be creative and innovative to use existing technology to support the learning process and adapt the technology to students’ situation and condition. As an English teacher, I have to be able to arrange lesson plans which are relevant to the students’ needs.  

Ideal teachers I think that suits the characteristics of the 21st century teacher are those who can develop student’s potential through workable tasks using computer-based technology and take advantage of online media as a tool for finding learning resources. He or She is also able to motivate students to actively communicate, encourage students to be creative, and facilitate students to have collaborative work or project in the teaching and learning process.

In reality, the students at our school have not had the characteristics of 21st century students yet.  Only a small number of students can utilize the technology to support the learning process. They have not been ready to face the new mode of learning. Therefore, school especially teachers need to adapt and adopt the technology in assisting the students to have skills for students 21st century such as Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills, Collaboration, Creativity, and Communication Skills.