JAKARTA -Technology has the potential to achieve universal equality in education and improve learning outcomes. Dr. Rani Burchmore, Asia Pacific Education Industry Lead (K-12 Strategy, Sales & Programs), Microsoft in her keynote speech on 2nd Annual Indonesia Education Forum 2021 said that in order to unleash education’s potential, the digital divide must be addressed. Access to technology should not be seen as a luxury, but a necessity to all of us.
“How do we provide equal access to learning for students? This cannot be done on its own, this should be done by a system. So, we at Microsoft are working with all local partners to ensure that the education transformations are accessible for everyone, especially in remote areas,” said Dr. Rani.
Nur Fitriana, M.A, Instructional Designer, Directorate General of Early Childhood, and Secondary Education, Ministry of Education & Culture, Republic of Indonesia in her keynote address stated that in terms of online learning, the ministry acknowledged that not every area in Indonesia has technology and internet access. “So, we need collaboration with other ministries such as Ministry of Communication and Information.”
Dr. Gogot Suharwoto, Education and Culture Attachè of Republic of Indonesia in Seoul echoed Minister Nadiem’s concerns over standardization of curriculum and tests and a one-size-fits-all approach. “We need to underline three important points: differentiation, individualization, and personalization. They are closely related but actually very different.,” he noted.