In this modern era that continues to grow, everything related to human life is also developing rapidly along with increasingly advanced technology. In line with this issue, the consequences are changes in many sectors of life. This change occurred because it was influenced by various factors, such as modernization and globalization. In addition, changes also happen as a result of human life trying to adapt to the changing times of this increasingly fast. In the changing times that occur, of course, its existence cannot be underestimated. Because as we know, change is like a knife, has two sides, that there is a positive side and a negative side.
Well, one sector of life that is very impactful for the results of the changing times is the education sector. The education sector itself is the most basic in human life. Because it is an important part of the intellectual process and to prepare a nation or group of human beings to face their future. Therefore, the education sector is required to be better able to adapt to the changing times.
The way the education sector adaption to keep up with the times is by integrating current technology with the teaching and learning process. Like the education processes nowadays, the teaching and learning process no longer has to come to the classroom but can be done anywhere and anytime. That can do because it uses a combination of internet technology and computer, laptop, or smartphone devices. Based on this, the teaching and learning process, of course, becomes something that makes it easier for both the teachers and students.
At first glance, it seems we are ready to face the changing times in the education sector. We dominantly take this for granted because we believe that our students and teachers, at least, have internet access and capable devices. But, if we look further, we will see the pride in ourselves, which has generalized things that are not the same. As geographically and territorially, not all places have stability in internet access. For some areas, it is a little bit difficult to reach it through transportation, then, how is it possible that internet access can be stable, or maybe there is no internet access itself. Besides, economically, it seems that everyone can afford to buy a device or gadget, but not necessarily the gadget is capable of accessing the internet. Maybe for some people, it takes hard work to buy a gadget to the point of sacrificing other priorities. All of this is to adapt the "easy" teaching and learning process, which of course, was not cheap for some of them. Moreover, because of the development of technology which grows faster from years to years, the role of the teacher is also considered capable of being replaced with the extraordinary discoveries of scientists. Now, it seems clear that we are not "that ready" to face the changing times in the education sector.
Not being ready doesn't mean we cannot. It is just that we have not been able to deal with it. Thus, to prepare us for the changing times in the education sector, we need to develop varied plans and strategies to deal with it. We can prepare several things, such as trying to extend internet access to various regions, and while waiting for this, the teachers can do door-to-door activities in small groups for the teaching process in areas that do not yet have and or have limited internet access. Besides, we can also provide or lend a qualified device to access the internet or can carry out door-to-door teaching activities as well. Furthermore, it can provide socialization and training for teachers to maximize technology in the teaching and learning process so as not to be left behind from the extraordinary discoveries of scientists - which in fact, will not be able to replace the role of the teacher because a process of humanizing humans through feelings needed in the teaching and learning process itself. Thus, if we have prepared the planning properly, we will be able to encounter the changing times in the education sector.
Thus, if a question is asked, are we ready for the changing times in the education sector? Broadly, we may be ready for the development of an increasingly advanced era. But, we are unready to confront the fast-paced changes of this era without any preparation. As the proverb goes, prepare an umbrella before it rains. Careful preparation can prevent failure. In the future, changing times may be unpredictable. However, with the preparation and strategy properly, we will be able to overcome all the obstacles.***
