EMPOWERING ENGLISH LEARNING THROUGH DIGITAL LITERACY IN THE MERDEKA BELAJAR ERA: A CASE STUDY AT UNIVERSITAS AKI

Abstract

In the era of Merdeka Belajar, English lecturers are challenged to adapt their teaching methods to meet student's needs in a rapidly evolving digital world. This study aimed to explore how digital literacy-based English learning is implemented at Universitas AKI, aligning with the objectives of Merdeka Belajar. Data was collected through classroom observations, interviews with lecturers and students, and supplementary questionnaires. The research sought to understand how technology enhances students' English skills. The findings revealed that integrating digital literacy into English learning at Universitas AKI was successful, following three key stages of digital literacy development. In the first stage, digital competence, the lecturers and students exhibited strong skills in using internet-connected devices effectively and engaging in respectful online behavior. The second stage, digital usage, highlighted lecturers' frequent incorporation of digital tools to access relevant visual and textual content for teaching. Lastly, the stage of digital transformation was evident in the creative application of technology by both lecturers and students, particularly in the completion of digital-based assignments.