ULM Instills the Character of Wasaka in Physics Teachers Through Educational Robotics Workshop
BANJARMASIN – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) remains committed to delivering innovation in education by holding an Educational Robotics Workshop for physics teachers in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. The event took place on August 7 and September 4, 2025, at SMAN 1 Kandangan, and was attended by 22 members of the Physics Subject Teachers’ Council (MGMP) for high school and Islamic high school students.
The head of the community service team, Dewi Dewantara, a lecturer in Physics Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, ULM, explained that this program was designed to provide new experiences for teachers in developing technology-based learning while simultaneously instilling the character of Wasaka (Waja Sampai Kaputing).
“This activity aims to train teachers to deliver more contextual and effective physics lessons, while strengthening the spirit of never giving up, typical of the Banua community,” she said.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the ArtecRobo device, guided by Gunawan Rudi Cahyono, a lecturer in Electrical Engineering at ULM. Teachers practiced hands-on assembling simple robots, testing sensors, and developing basic programming. This hands-on process not only broadened their knowledge but also honed critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Wasaka’s character values were also emphasized by Sri Hartini, a lecturer in Physics Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at the Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), who emphasized that resilience and consistency are essential in science.
“Through robotics, students learn that every obstacle can be overcome with hard work and collaboration,” she explained.
This activity received praise from the Head of the Hulu Sungai Selatan Physics MGMP, Marhan. According to him, the two-stage workshops furthered teachers’ understanding of connecting physics learning to real-life contexts.
“The teachers felt inspired to provide more innovative and enjoyable learning for their students,” he said.
This community service program was made possible thanks to the support of the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) for the 2025 Fiscal Year. This support enabled ULM to develop an innovative approach that integrates local culture, modern technology, and character building in education.
In the future, ULM hopes that this good practice can be expanded to other schools in South Kalimantan so that it becomes a more meaningful, inspiring, and modern physics learning model.
