Today’s Digital Classroom activity became one of the most exciting learning experiences for the students of Grade 4 Salman Al Farisi. During their PLBJ (Jakarta Cultural Studies) lesson, the students explored Betawi culture in a unique and engaging way—not by merely reading or seeing pictures, but by designing their own traditional Betawi house using Apple Keynote.
The lesson was guided by Miss Yani, the homeroom teacher and a certified Apple Teacher, known for her creative and interactive learning approach. She began by introducing the distinct features of the Betawi house—the traditional roof shape, the windows, the decorative details, and the colors often used. She then showed the students how each part of the house could be constructed using simple Keynote shapes.
From the moment they started, the atmosphere in the classroom was filled with enthusiasm. With their iPads in hand, students began exploring basic shapes such as rectangles, triangles, circles, and trapezoids. Under Miss Yani’s guidance, they gradually transformed these shapes into meaningful components of a Betawi house. Some students adjusted the roof angle, others experimented with window designs, while many added their own creative details to personalize their work.
One of the highlights of the session was when Miss Yani demonstrated how small architectural details could be built using only basic shapes. Students were amazed to see that something which looked complex could actually be created through simple steps. This sparked even more creativity as they tried new ideas and visual styles.
Several students took the challenge further by creating their own variations of the Betawi house—complete with terraces, fences, and custom decorations. They compared designs, gave positive feedback to their friends, and helped each other align shapes or adjust proportions.
Towards the end of the session, students proudly presented their work in front of the class. The excitement and confidence on their faces showed how meaningful this activity had been. Their creations not only demonstrated their understanding of Betawi culture but also showcased their growing digital skills, creative thinking, and attention to detail.
Today’s lesson highlighted how cultural learning can become more engaging through technology. With tools like the iPad and Keynote, PLBJ can transform into an interactive and joyful experience—one that inspires creativity while strengthening students’ digital literacy.
