SIBU: The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu branch has urged teachers to embrace new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in their teaching methods for Bahasa Iban to attract students.
According to its chairman, Chambai Lindong, teaching methods have evolved significantly from the old days when instructions relied solely on chalk and whiteboards.
“That is why SDNU Sìbu organised this three-day workshop in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the State Education Department to share skills and best practices for teaching Bahasa Iban using AI applications in this digital and technological world,” he said in his speech at the closing event of the programme, which was held at a renowned hotel here today.
He emphasised that the three-day event, which started on April 9 and concluded today, aimed to educate teachers on using digital applications in their teaching to engage students in learning Bahasa Iban.
“Fun learning, through videos and applications, will attract students to learn our Iban language.
“While cartoons or animations might be difficult to learn, simple videos and presentations will surely attract them to learn more,” he said.
Chambai also encouraged teachers to participate in more programmes like this, organised not only by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but also by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
“Such programmes are not easy to carry out, with many constraints, possibly in terms of funding and resources.
“However, I hope other SDNU branches and other Dayak organisations in the state can also collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in their respective areas to organise similar programmes, especially to empower the Iban language,” he added.
In this respect, he added that SDNU Sìbu is very thankful to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew for setting aside some of his funds to enable SDNU Sìbu to organise the workshop successfully.
He stressed that even SDNU Sibu branch is embracing the digital revolution by using AI in several of the programmes they organise.
The workshop was participated by 39 teachers from 39 primary schools here, and eight teachers from secondary schools in the same district.
Also present were Assistant Director of the Learning Sector, Sarawak State Education Department, Ricky Adon Chuat, MOE Assistant Director of the Educational Technology Division, Nicola Sigat, and Vice-Chairman of SDNU Sibu cum SDNU Education Bureau Chief, Johnady Janton.
