Yogyakarta – July 16, 2026 — Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly opening up opportunities for the emergence of more creative, adaptive, and student-centered learning innovations. In response to this challenge, a team of lecturers from the Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) organized a "STEM Learning Innovation Training in Senior High Schools across Sleman Regency through Strengthening AI-Based Teacher Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)." This activity serves as a platform for teachers to enhance their competencies in integrating AI into STEM education, making the teaching and learning process more effective, interactive, and relevant to the needs of 21st-century education.

The event featured Nurul Faizah, M.Pd., as a guest speaker who delivered a session on "Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Learning." In her presentation, Nurul Faizah explained that the use of AI should be viewed as a tool to support teacher professionalism in designing more effective learning experiences, rather than as a replacement for educators. Teachers maintain the primary role in defining learning objectives, selecting appropriate strategies, and ensuring that AI is utilized critically, ethically, and responsibly.

The training was attended by senior high school teachers from Sleman Regency, adopting the TPACK approach—a framework that balanced content knowledge, pedagogical strategies, and technology integration. Through this approach, AI is positioned as a supporting tool that assists teachers in designing lesson plans, developing teaching media, constructing assessments, and creating more meaningful learning experiences for students.

During the training, participants not only gained theoretical insights into the fundamental concepts of AI in education, but also engaged in hands-on practice using various AI tools. They applied these technologies to draft lesson modules, develop interactive learning media, design assessments, and create STEM-based learning activities. The practical sessions were highly interactive, with direct assistance from the organizing team, enabling participants to explore various AI features relevant to school learning needs.

The participants' enthusiasm was evident in the lively discussions surrounding the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the classroom. Teachers shared their experiences, discussed best practices, and experimented with adapting various AI tools to suit their respective subjects. This collaborative atmosphere is expected to mark the beginning of a supportive learning community dedicated to fostering continuous teaching innovation in schools.

This activity was a collaborative effort by a team of lecturers from the Biology Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, led by Prof. Dr. Slamet Suyanto, M.Ed., with team members Dr. Rahmania Pamungkas, M.Pd., Dr. Wenny Pinta Litna Br. Tarigan, S.Pd., M.Pd., and Dr. Ema Aprilisa, M.Pd. The program also involved Biology Education students: Maria Ratna, Ravellina Naia, Mochammad Bintang, Ayu Puspitasari, Dea Fernandilla, and Alda Yosiana. Through this initiative, UNY continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting educational transformation by enhancing teacher capacity and developing technology-based learning innovations. The training is expected to encourage teachers to feel more confident in integrating AI into STEM education, enabling them to create more meaningful learning experiences while equipping students with the critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy skills essential for the 21st century.

As part of the implementation of the Higher Education Tri Dharma (Three Pillars of Higher Education), this activity also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing teaching quality and educator competency, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the utilization of AI technology as an educational innovation, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, schools, and teacher communities to build a quality and sustainable educational ecosystem.