By Diyah Iis Andriani (Education Observer)
Learning represents a dynamic process of change, encompassing the enhancement of behavioral qualities such as knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, and other competencies. This process occurs through interactions between individuals, groups, or individuals and their environments. Among the factors facilitating learning is instructional media, often referred to as learning resources. Therefore, educators must grasp the significance of instructional media in achieving their instructional objectives.
The rapid advancement of technology is evident in the accelerated dissemination of information and the widespread use of the Internet. In Indonesia alone, Internet usage has surged, with approximately 82 million users. Naturally, technological advancements have permeated all social, cultural, and educational spheres. In the realm of education, schools serve as focal points for the teaching and learning process.
In the context of teaching and learning, the presence of instructional media is crucial. Engaging instructional media facilitates a deeper understanding of course materials for students. While not all teachers incorporate captivating instructional media into their teaching practices, those who do enhance interactivity, thus optimizing the learning process.
Discussing teacher competencies is paramount, as they play a pivotal role in creating engaging instructional media. According to Broke and Stone, “teacher competencies are indicative of the essence and behavior of educators, which hold significant importance.” This underscores the critical importance of teachers possessing competencies not only in instructional media but also in other areas of teaching.
Traditionally, instructional media primarily consisted of books and chalkboards, often resulting in less engaging learning experiences. However, with the advent of technology, instructional media has evolved, incorporating tools such as PowerPoint presentations, projectors, animated videos, and more. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of distance learning, facilitated by platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Google Classroom.
In Indonesia, it is reported that 60% of teachers still have limited technological proficiency. This highlights the need for training programs to enhance teachers’ abilities in utilizing instructional media effectively. Multimedia-based instructional media training serves as a competency enhancement tool for teachers, fostering more engaging and effective instructional media development.
In the era of industry 4.0, where emerging technologies increasingly influence teachers’ capabilities in creating engaging instructional media, it is imperative for educators to continuously develop their skills. Failure to do so may result in being sidelined in the competitive educational landscape. Therefore, investing in teacher competency development is crucial for the advancement of education in the digital age.