Fauzia Irfieh / Postgraduate Student, Regular Class III-D, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung
Bandung -- In today's fast-paced digital era, the world of education is not only required to produce excellent graduates but also to manage information effectively. Facts, data, information, and information quality serve as crucial pillars that determine policy direction and the success of school management. Without mastery of these four aspects, decision-making will tend to be weak and even risk taking the wrong steps.
The Department of Education emphasizes that understanding the Basic Insights of Information Systems is not merely theoretical but a real necessity. A good information system will ensure that every fact is collected, every data is managed, every piece of information is meaningful, and every decision is based on reliable information quality. Through strengthening this insight, education is expected to become more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the challenges of the times.
The world of education is currently at a major crossroads. On one hand, the challenges of the digital era demand rapid change. On the other hand, the education system must remain grounded in the principles of transparency, accountability, and quality. Amidst this dynamic, the Basic Insights of Information Systems serve as an essential foundation for both schools and education offices.
The four main pillars that deserve attention are facts, data, information, and information quality. Although simple, these four elements are the solid foundation of managing modern education. Without mastering these aspects, schools will struggle to create accurate and sustainable policies.
Facts: Realities That Cannot Be Ignored
Facts are objective realities that can be verified for their truth. They are empirical, tangible, and independent of subjective opinions. In science, a simple fact such as "water flows from high places to low places" can give rise to the law of gravity. In education, facts such as the number of classrooms, the condition of facilities, or teacher attendance rates form the foundation of policy.
"Facts never lie. It is from facts that we learn to design plans that align with reality," emphasized a school supervisor in Bandung Regency.
Facts are the starting point of knowledge. Facts collected through systematic observation can give birth to concepts, principles, and even theories. Without facts, decisions will tend to be speculative. That is why schools need to prioritize gathering valid facts before formulating programs, whether for improving the quality of learning or managing resources.
Data: From Raw Records to Valuable Assets
If facts are reality, data are the representations of that reality. Data can take the form of numbers, text, images, symbols, or sounds. Though seemingly simple, data are highly valuable raw materials.
