The Community Service Team (PkM) from the English Language Teaching Studies, Methodology, and Assessment (ELTSMA) Research Group, English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, conducted a community service program titled: “Professional Development Training – Optimizing English Language Teaching Integrated with Artificial Intelligence Technology: Reading Extensification through ReadTheory for English Teachers in Sragen Regency.” This initiative was part of the 2023 UNS Non-State Budget Community Service Grant (Hibah PkM Dana Non-APBN) and was conducted in collaboration with the English Language Teachers’ Working Group (MGMP Bahasa Inggris SMA) of Sragen Regency, chaired by Dra. Pancarini Dyah Rahayuningsih, M.Pd.
In this program, the ELTSMA FKIP UNS team engaged English teachers from senior high schools in Sragen Regency in utilizing ReadTheory and other generative AI-based digital tools to be integrated into classroom instruction. The workshop not only focused on introducing and demonstrating the technical use of the platforms but also addressed strategies for maintaining student engagement with the ReadTheory program and other digital tools. Furthermore, it explored how to align ReadTheory and tools like ChatGPT with existing curricula to ensure that reading extensification efforts remain contextually relevant.
In addition to introducing ReadTheory, the ELTSMA team also presented a variety of digital tools and generative AI applications to enhance students’ competencies in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The resource persons for this training were Hasan Zainnuri, M.Pd.; Dr. Sumardi, M.Pd.; Dr. Ngadiso, M.Pd.; and Drs. Muh. Asrori, M.Pd.
“This Professional Development Training took place on August 8, 2023, at the Auditorium of SMAN 2 Sragen and was attended by 30 senior high school English teachers from across Sragen Regency. The training was designed to boost teachers’ motivation in utilizing ReadTheory and generative AI tools for English language instruction integrated with technology,” explained workshop speaker and ELTSMA Research Group member, Hasan Zainnuri, M.Pd., on Sunday, November 5, 2023..
The rationale behind organizing this professional development initiative stemmed from the observation that most teachers had limited knowledge of how to effectively utilize generative AI in English language instruction. Fortunately, the in-person training on August 8, 2023, was met with enthusiastic participation. Following the training, teachers received continued online mentoring. Based on the evaluation of the program, participants demonstrated improved understanding and began applying both ReadTheory and generative AI in planning, developing, and delivering English language lessons in their respective schools.
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