Last year, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MoECRT) of Indonesia provided thousands of Google Chromebooks to Ende District. However, the utilization of these devices remained limited. Recognizing the potential impact, a collaboration among four key entities: District Government of Ende, Office of Education of Ende District, Center for Education Quality Assurance of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province, SEAMOLEC, and Santa Ursula Institute was made.
The collaboration aims to create mechanisms and a timeline for the effective utilization of Chromebooks in education. Specifically, around 10 students from Santa Ursula Institute will be selected as mentors for teachers at SMPN 1 Ende, facilitating a 6-month hybrid internship. The students will undergo training and workshops on Chromebook usage and strategies for classroom integration, conducted by SEAMOLEC and Google for Education Indonesia.
The initiative aligns with the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka, a policy set by the Ministry of Education Culture Research and Technology (MoECRT) of Indonesia which allows students flexibility in exploring talents and passions. It accommodates the flexibility for students in shaping their future through exploring their talent and passion, and it is expected to prepare graduates with hard and soft skills that match the requirements of this digital era.
The MOU signing ceremony, held on January 29, 2024, received praise from Mr. H Djafar H Achmad, the Mayor of Ende District. He expressed optimism that the program would enhance teacher quality and maximize the use of provided facilities. Madam Matildis Mensi Tiwe, the Head of Office of Education of Ende District, emphasized the urgency of the program in improving students' literacy skills and revitalizing Ende District's reputation as “a city of learners”.
Dr. Wahyudi, SEAMOLEC Director, highlighted the initiative as one of the center's many efforts to support the Merdeka Belajar policy. He assured a maximum contribution not only to Ende district but also to other remote areas in Indonesia. “This collaborative effort signifies a proactive step towards educational empowerment, bringing together various stakeholders to create a positive impact on the learning landscape in Ende District and beyond,” he added.
