Driving School Transformation through the Implementation of Coding and AI
Coding and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer merely additional skills, but have become essential components of future competencies. Driven by this urgency, Acer Indonesia has brought Acer Edu Tech 2026 to Surabaya under the theme “Coding and AI are No Longer an Option, but a Necessity.”
This annual educational forum, which has been held in various cities, serves as a collaborative space for education practitioners, academics, and stakeholders in East Java to strengthen the readiness of schools, educators, and students in facing digital transformation.
In an official statement today, Riko Gunting, Products & Solutions Director of Acer Indonesia, stated, “Educational transformation is not enough by simply bringing technology into the classroom. What is more important is ensuring that this technology can be used to build ways of thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Coding and AI skills are a vital part of this process because they can help prepare educators and students not just as technology users, but also as creators of solutions. Through Acer Edu Tech 2026, we want to encourage stronger collaboration between industry, academia, government, and the educational community to build a learning ecosystem that is relevant to future needs.”
Acer Edu Tech 2026 was attended by hundreds of participants from various regions in East Java, including school principals, teachers, educational institution managers, academics, as well as government representatives and stakeholders in the field of education. The presence of participants from diverse backgrounds provided a space for the exchange of perspectives regarding the challenges, needs, and practical applications of technology in learning.
To enrich the discussion, Acer Edu Tech 2026 featured speakers with complementary expertise. Prof. Anita Lie, M.A., Ed.D., Professor at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Unika Widya Mandala Surabaya, shared academic perspectives on educational transformation through coding and artificial intelligence. Prof. Dr. Andi Kristanto, S.Pd., M.Pd., Professor of the Educational Technology Study Programme at the Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, reviewed the importance of AI and coding learning in the world of education.
The speakers discussed the transformation towards future schools and the utilisation and optimisation of coding and AI in learning. The discussion highlighted not only technological developments but also school readiness, educator competence, and the pedagogical approaches required so that technology can provide real benefits in the learning process.
From these discussions, participants gained references to identify school needs, determine appropriate technology usage, and design more targeted coding and AI-based learning. Perspectives from academics, practitioners, and curriculum developers also helped participants understand its application from conceptual, policy, and classroom practice perspectives.
Prof. Anita Lie emphasised that the transformation towards future schools is not solely determined by technology adoption. “The school of the future is a school that is able to continuously learn and adapt to change, without losing the primary goal of education. Technology, including coding and AI, needs to be used to strengthen the quality of learning, develop critical and creative thinking abilities, and shape student character. Therefore, educational transformation must begin with a strong school vision, educators who continue to evolve, and an ecosystem that supports every student in reaching their potential,” she concluded.