Technology changes very quickly. Every year, we see new digital tools that make our work easier. I was born before the digital era, so I belong to the generation called digital immigrants. As a teacher, I believe learning never stops. I always try to adapt to new technology so I can teach my students better. My students belong to the digital native generation because they have grown up with technology since they were young.
About ten years ago, when I started teaching at SMAN 2 Bandar Lampung, I asked my students to create a short movie based on a narrative story. They introduced me to Filmora for video editing. I wanted to learn it too, but my laptop was not strong enough to run the program. Today, technology has become much easier. I can edit videos using simple mobile apps like CapCut or InShot.
The same thing happened when I taught caption texts during the 2013 Curriculum. I asked my students to take pictures around the school and write inspiring captions about health, education, the environment, or social issues. Years ago, I had to learn difficult editing software such as CorelDRAW and Photoshop. Now, I can edit photos directly on my phone in just a few minutes.
Today, I use Canva almost every day. It helps me create presentations, worksheets, posters, learning modules, and videos. It saves time and makes my teaching materials more interesting. Recently, I also started learning Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI helps me prepare lessons, generate ideas, and create learning activities more efficiently. Instead of spending hours designing materials, I can focus more on helping my students learn.
For me, AI is not a replacement for teachers. It is a tool that helps us work smarter.
Unfortunately, I have noticed something different among some students. Although they are digital natives, many of them use AI in the wrong way. Instead of using AI to help them understand a lesson, they ask AI to complete their assignments. Some students even depend on AI to answer questions before they try to think by themselves.
This is the difference between using AI and depending on AI.
Using AI means asking questions, finding ideas, checking grammar, or learning something new. It helps us become more creative and productive.
Depending on AI means letting it do all the thinking. We stop trying to solve problems by ourselves. Over time, this can reduce our confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
AI is neither good nor bad. The result depends on how we use it. A student who uses AI to learn will become smarter. A student who uses AI to avoid thinking will become dependent.
Technology has always changed. We moved from PowerPoint to Canva, and now we are entering the AI era. Every new technology brings opportunities and challenges. Instead of being afraid of AI or depending on it completely, we should learn how to use it wisely.
Being a digital native does not automatically mean being digitally wise. Digital wisdom comes from making good choices.
As teachers, we should guide our students to use AI as a learning partner, not as a shortcut. As students, they should remember that AI can give answers, but it cannot replace curiosity, hard work, and the satisfaction of learning something by themselves.
Technology should help us grow, not control us. AI is most beneficial when it supports our learning, strengthens our abilities, and encourages us to become lifelong learners.
