Balige, Toba Regency(October 23-25, 2025) – Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the critical enablers of 21st-century skills. The impact of integrating this approach in all areas of life, especially in education sustain for improving the quality and efficiency to realize the true goals of education through technology advance. Based on the same goals, SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics(SEAQiM) successfully held the In-Country Course on Integrating ICT in Mathematics Education due to collaboration with the Education, Youth, and Sport Office of Toba Regency. This course was held at SMP Swasta Budhi Dharma Balige, bringing together mathematics teachers from Primary and Junior High School across Toba Regency.
Specially opened by the Regent of Toba, Mr. Effendi Sintong Panangian Napitupulu, S.E., this program officially commenced on October 23, 2025. He believed that empowering teachers with 21st-century digital skills is important in this era. In his address, he expressed the local government’s commitment to improving education quality through active partnerships with international and regional education organization such as SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics.
Throughout the course, the participants engaged in intensive, hands-on sessions designed to strengthen their capacity in utilizing GeoGebra – a dynamic mathematical software for teaching and learning. Guided by SEAQiM’S trainers, the participants were introduced to GeoGebra for Mathematics Exploration. They were equipped with Using GeoGebra Lessons to enhance Formative Assessment, How to Develop and Refine GeoGebra Applets and Books for Mathematics Learning, and also Designing Individual Action Plans for Classroom Implementation.
Each session aimed to equip teachers with practical tools and pedagogical strategies to integrate ICT effectively into their mathematics classroom. The program also included pre-test and post-test to evaluate learning outcomes, ensuring that participants not only gained theoretical understanding but also practical mastery.
Concluding the training program, the closing ceremony was held on October 25, 2025, directly led by the Head of the Education, Youth, and Sports Office of Toba Regency, Drs. Rikardo Hutajulu, M.Pd. In his heartfelt remarks, he conveyed deep gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the local government to the SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics team for their dedication and support.
“May this collaboration continue to grow smoothly for a better Indonesia, especially for Toba Regency. We wish SEAMEO continued success and prosperity. Thank you.” His final wish officially closed the programme.
The In-Country Course on Integrating ICT in Mathematics Education not only fostered professional development among teachers but also strengthened the partnership between SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics and the Toba Regency Government, reflecting a shared vision of advancing education through technology and regional cooperation.
As the participants returned to their respective schools, they carried new insights, practical skills, and renewed enthusiasm to inspire their students in mathematics learning through innovative ICT approaches—paving the way for a brighter future for education in Toba Regency