The Teacher Professional Education Program (PPG) of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) organized a training program entitled “Enhancing Information Technology and Digital Competencies for UMSU PPG Lecturers and Mentor Teachers 2026.” The event was held on Friday (June 12) at Emerald Garden Hotel, Medan, North Sumatra.
The training featured two keynote speakers, Tiur, M.Si. and Dr. Fitrahmi Rizky, who delivered sessions on strengthening digital literacy and maximizing the use of information technology in teaching, learning, and mentoring prospective teachers enrolled in the PPG program.
The event was attended by 100 participants, including PPG lecturers, school principals, and mentor teachers from partner schools collaborating with FKIP UMSU.
The program was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., who expressed his appreciation for the consistent success of the university’s Teacher Professional Education Program over the past eight years.
“Alhamdulillah, over the past eight years we have witnessed the outstanding achievements of students participating in UMSU’s PPG program. We sincerely appreciate the invaluable contributions of our partner schools and mentor teachers. Their dedication has enabled the government to continue entrusting UMSU with the implementation of this important program,” he said.
The Rector also emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in managing the PPG program.
“Since 2018, significant public funding has been entrusted to this program and has been managed responsibly. We must continue to safeguard this trust through integrity, transparency, and shared responsibility,” he added.
According to Prof. Akrim, teachers remain the most influential factor in shaping future generations who excel both academically and morally.
“Our mission to nurture a generation with strong moral values cannot be separated from the vital role of teachers. This training is an important opportunity for all of us to continue strengthening educational quality and professional capacity,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Dra. Syamsyurnita, emphasized that digital competency has become an essential requirement for educators in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape.
“In the digital era, technology is no longer an option—it is a fundamental necessity, particularly for educators. Mastery of digital technology is indispensable, both for conducting research and for delivering effective learning experiences,” she said.
She added that the PPG management views digital competency development as a strategic initiative to meet the demands of modern education.
“We believe this training is highly important and should continue to be implemented. We hope the knowledge gained here can be directly applied in classroom teaching and professional practice,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Head of the UMSU Teacher Professional Education Program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irfan Dahnial, M.Pd., explained that the program marked the seventh capacity-building initiative organized to strengthen the competencies of PPG lecturers and mentor teachers.
“This is the seventh professional development program we have organized. Previously, we have conducted various activities aimed at enhancing the roles and capabilities of our lecturers and mentor teachers,” he said.
He explained that the training was specifically designed to enhance participants’ digital competencies while preparing them to address the challenges of education in the era of technological transformation.
“This program aims to strengthen digital competencies and equip educators with the skills needed to respond effectively to the challenges of contemporary education,” he concluded.
The event was also attended by heads and secretaries of academic programs within the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, PPG lecturers, and mentor teachers from FKIP UMSU’s partner schools.
Through this initiative, UMSU reaffirms its commitment to improving the quality of teacher education by equipping educators with the digital skills and technological competencies required to prepare future generations for an increasingly digital and globally connected world.
