In response to the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, particularly in English language teaching, the community service team (PkM) of the English Language Studies, Teaching Method, and Assessment (ELSTMA) Research Group, in collaboration with the Senior High School English Teacher Working Group (MGMP Bahasa Inggris SMA) of Wonogiri Regency, organized a teacher capacity-building workshop under the theme “Exploring Generative AI through MagicSchool for Transformative Instructional Design.” This activity was part of the UNS 2024 Non-State Budget Community Service Grant Program (Hibah PkM Dana Non APBN).

ELSTMA Research Group with participants after the workshop (Tuesday, 7 May 2024)

The workshop took place on Tuesday, 7 May 2024, at the Auditorium of SMAN 1 Wonogiri. It was formally opened by the Principal of SMAN 1 Wonogiri, Drs. Susilo Joko Raharjo, M.Pd., and attended by 37 MGMP-affiliated English teachers. Over the course of the five-hour workshop, ELSTMA research group presenters—Dr. Ngadiso, M.Pd., Dr. Endang Setyaningsih, M.Hum., Drs. Muh. Asrori, M.Pd., and Dr. Sumardi, M.Hum.—collaboratively guided participants in revisiting and reflecting on the fundamental principles of English language teaching as well as addressing practical classroom challenges faced at the senior high school level.

Participants were then introduced to and guided in exploring the functionalities of the generative AI platform MagicSchool, practicing its applications in crafting test items, generating texts and songs, and developing various instructional materials and activities.

Despite a brief interruption caused by an earthquake tremor, participants remained highly enthusiastic throughout the workshop. During the discussion sessions, several teachers openly shared real-world instructional challenges they encounter. In the hands-on sessions, participants actively exchanged strategies and tips for using MagicSchool tools effectively. They engaged in dialogue about tailoring generative AI use to their specific instructional contexts while also identifying and mitigating potential challenges associated with AI implementation.

Dyah Retno P., S.Pd., Chairperson of the MGMP Bahasa Inggris SMA Wonogiri, expressed her appreciation for the ELSTMA PkM initiative, acknowledging its significant contribution to strengthening instructional planning and introducing practical AI tools that can be applied in planning, delivering, and assessing learning. She further emphasized the importance of sustaining such collaborative programs in the future.