By: Junaedi Uko and Erix Hutasoit<\/p>\n\n
Tarakan, North Kalimantan – In commemorating International Education Day, which this year carries the theme of AI and technology, it is important to reflect on how innovation can bridge the education gap, especially in remote areas. Limited access to internet, geographical isolation from rivers and mountains, broken-down roads, and scarcity of trained teachers are some of the common challenges faced by schools in the heart of Indonesia\u2019s dense tropical forests in North Kalimantan. Consequently, it leads to a continued critical issue: the lack of quality books. This hinders students\u2019 ability to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills. However, technological transformation is starting to bring positive impacts to the narrative.<\/p>\n\n
Digital Books and the Power of Accessible Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n In remote areas that lack physical books, digital books are often a lifesaver. Platforms like Buku Sekolah Elektronik (BSE) and other e-book services allow students and teachers to access a wide range of learning materials. In North Kalimantan, for example, the use of digital books has significantly improved literacy outcomes. “Digital libraries allow students to access high-quality learning materials without having to wait for physical books to arrive,” said Agus Prayitno, North Kalimantan Province Manager, INOVASI. “This ensures that even children in the most remote areas can build strong reading habits and thrive academically.”<\/p>\n\n The ASI ASLI App: Simplifying Literacy Assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n ASI ASLI (Indonesian School Children’s Literacy Screening Application) is one of the innovative digital applications developed through the CERDAS Program by the University of Mataram (UNRAM) with the support of INOVASI – an Australia-Indonesia partnership program – ASI ASLI is designed to help teachers assess student reading skills quickly and accurately.<\/p>\n\n Nur Hikmah Wijaya, Principal of SDN Magunjaya 01 in Bekasi, was immediately impressed when she first saw the app in action. \u201cAssessing students\u2019 reading skills used to be a manual, time-consuming process. We had to administer written tests, ask oral questions, observe students, and analyse the results afterward. It took so much time and energy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n ASI ASLI simplifies this process by automatically scoring and classifying students into various reading proficiency levels\u2014from advanced to those requiring special intervention. \u201cWith this app, teachers no longer need to calculate scores manually. It provides instant results and detailed analysis of where students are facing difficulties,\u201d explained Lalu Jazuli, a primary school supervisor from Central Lombok.<\/p>\n\n The app is easily accessible via mobile phones or computers and can be used anytime. It also offers guidance to help teachers navigate the platform, making it user-friendly even for those new to technology. \u201cASI ASLI doesn\u2019t just reduce the time and effort teachers spend on assessments; it also lowers costs by eliminating the need for repeated printing of paper-based tools,\u201d added Jazuli. More importantly, the app allows teachers to track student progress continuously, providing a solid foundation for data-driven learning plans.<\/p>\n\n The Broader Role of Technology and a Bright Future for Education in Remote Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The use of digital tools in education goes beyond convenience\u2014it represents a shift in how learning happens, especially in areas where access to resources is limited. Digital books provide a world of knowledge at students\u2019 fingertips, while apps like ASI ASLI empower teachers to make informed decisions based on real-time data.<\/p>\n\n Lalu Hamdian, an academic from UNRAM, highlighted the broader economic implications of low literacy levels. \u201cAccording to the World Literacy Foundation (2022), poor literacy skills in Indonesia result in an economic loss of 200 trillion rupiah annually. By improving literacy through tools like ASI ASLI, we\u2019re not just helping students; we\u2019re investing in the nation\u2019s future,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n Azis bin Wahid, a teacher in Malinau, North Kalimantan, also shared how technology helped him overcome challenges in the classroom. \u201cWhen physical books aren\u2019t available, digital ones ensure my students still have access to stories and exercises that improve their literacy. Tools like ASI ASLI make it easier to identify students who need extra help, so no one gets left behind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n As Indonesia continues to embrace AI and technology in education, the future looks promising. With the right tools, collaboration, and support, every child\u2014no matter how remote their home\u2014can have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1857,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","articles-category":[],"where-we-works":[],"resources":[],"class_list":["post-1856","featured-article","type-featured-article","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n