KEBUMEN - Student tasks in the digital era vary widely and need to be understood and carried out properly.
“One key task for students today is using digital devices wisely, only when needed, and for positive purposes,” said Budi Rianto S.Pd., M.Pd., principal of SMAN 1 Gombong, at a digital literacy webinar titled “Comfortable Online Interaction, Eliminate Hate Speech” organized by Kominfo for Kebumen residents on Thursday (21/10/2021).
The webinar, attended by more than 700 participants, discussed how the digital information world contains both negative and positive content. Budi encouraged students to use positive digital content wisely.
“Especially to improve self-quality and competence,” he said.
Budi urged students to be careful with social media. “Filter before sharing, be patient before posting, avoid hate speech, and keep interacting politely and respectfully,” he said.
He added that digital progress can be used to build independent learning, including using online spaces that match each student’s talents.
Budi said teachers remain irreplaceable in the digital era. “If teachers teach thinking processes, teach with heart, and teach character,” he said.
Budi also said distance learning during the pandemic showed many students are not yet used to studying independently. When new stimuli appear, they make an effort.
“That affects their endurance. Some students lack resilience, tire quickly, and complain a lot. The distance learning climate can be monotonous, less enthusiastic, and burdened with too many assignments,” he added.
Another speaker, Localin co-founder Muhammad Bima Januri, said the challenge is to celebrate technological progress, respect science, and support all forms of advancement.
“Our task is to improve digital literacy across sources, interact carefully, use features wisely, and not follow content that feels harmful,” he said.
Januri said students need critical thinking. Good content may be true, but not all true content should be shared. Content should be objective, factual, needed, inspiring, and not harmful to others.
The webinar also featured Dr. Selfi Budi Helpiastuti (Lecturer at Jember University), Ahmad Afada (Pesantren Afada instructor), and was moderated by Bobby Aulia and Mona Larissa as key opinion leaders. (*)