Bridging Rural Digital Gaps through IoT and AI Literacy Education: A Community-Based Approach for Supporting MSMEs in Katapang Hamlet
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Community-Based Education, Digital Literacy, Internet of Things, MSMEsAbstract
This study examines the implementation of community-based Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in enhancing digital literacy among rural senior high school students, identifying students’ understanding of the relationship between digital technology and the transformation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and evaluating the effectiveness of participatory approaches in supporting technology-based local economic development. The research was conducted at SMA Negeri 6 Seram Bagian Barat, Katapang Hamlet, Eastern Indonesia, involving 42 twelfth-grade students as participants. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method with a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. Data were collected through direct observation, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, activity documentation, and participatory evaluation of students’ responses during the educational program. Data analysis was conducted interactively through data reduction, data display, thematic interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that community-based technology education effectively improved students’ initial understanding of IoT and AI concepts and their relevance to local MSME digital transformation. Contextual and participatory learning approaches also enhanced students’ engagement, enthusiasm, and awareness of the importance of digital technology in rural economic development. The study contributes to the development of a sustainable community-based technology education model linking digital literacy, youth empowerment, and local economic transformation in rural areas.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Syaifulrijal Mahulauw, Laras Tika Bahari, Juliantri@gmail.com, Nur Malya Gina Hurasan, Trifoice Debora Lokopessy, Threy Felicia Fautngilyanan, Januar Kevin A Fattah, Rukia Namma, Neila Ibrahim Bauw, Nur Mala Wajo
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