Singaraja, November 5, 2024 – The Informatics Engineering Education Study Program, Department of Informatics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Vocational Studies, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, has initiated a Practitioner Teaching program for the Inclusive Education course in Class 1B. This activity spans four sessions, focusing primarily on the understanding and application of Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO). Topics include the basic concepts of BISINDO, fundamental signs such as opening and closing greetings, stating names, and expressing emotions like sadness and happiness. This program is designed to equip students with inclusive communication skills, enabling them to contribute to creating a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
In the second session, held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, students practiced basic BISINDO signs. They worked based on pre-designed learning scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Through this hands-on approach, students are expected to understand the importance of sign language not only as a communication tool but also as a bridge to fostering equality in education.
As part of the series, students visited SD Negeri 2 Bengkala, a school with a Bali Kolok (deaf community) on November 19–20, 2024. During this visit, they observed the learning process firsthand and practiced several basic BISINDO signs. This visit provided students with direct experience in understanding the conditions and needs of the disability community while applying what they had learned in class. The practitioners involved in this activity were Ni Putu Sukartini, S.Pd., and I Made Wisnu Giri, who provided valuable guidance and insights to help students understand the importance of inclusive communication.
This activity also reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the implementation of inclusive education in Indonesia by actively involving students in experiential learning. This initiative strengthens the values of empathy, collaboration, and innovation, which are essential in addressing educational challenges in the global era. The Practitioner Teaching program initiated by the Informatics Engineering Education Study Program aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO), this program directly supports SDG 4: Quality Education. By involving students in inclusion-oriented learning, it equips them with the skills and understanding to create educational environments that respect the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities. Furthermore, this program contributes to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, encouraging students to appreciate the importance of inclusive communication as a concrete step towards reducing social inequalities. By equipping students with the ability to interact with the disability community, this activity fosters a more equitable and diverse society. (na)