NEXT PODCAST Episode 4: How Digital Learning Supports Scholarship Dreams A Journey from Egypt to Indonesia.

Surabaya, UNESA – The Educational Technology Study Program proudly presented the International Podcast NEXT Edutech under the theme “How Digital Learning Supports Scholarship Dreams: A Journey from Egypt to Indonesia.” The event was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and was hosted by Fitri Dewi Amelia, an Educational Technology student. The featured speaker was Fatimah Jamal, Lc., M.Pd., a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Egypt and an educational content creator.

In the opening session, Fatimah shared her academic background at Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Ushuluddin, majoring in Aqidah. She explained that the educational system there remains highly traditional and rooted in classical methods. The learning process primarily focuses on printed literature, memorization, and written examinations, without the use of laptops or digital devices in classrooms. Students are required to take full responsibility for their independent learning.

Her motivation to pursue further studies in Indonesia stemmed from her desire to experience a different academic culture. According to her, education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about gaining perspective. Although sharing the same religious foundation, she found significant differences in cultural and academic approaches. Her strong interest in Indonesian language and culture, combined with a previous short visit to Indonesia, strengthened her decision to pursue a master’s degree in order to stay longer and deepen her cultural understanding.

Fatimah revealed that she began seriously utilizing digital learning when preparing for her master’s studies. Unlike the predominantly face to face and book based system in Egypt, the academic environment in Indonesia requires research skills, active discussion, presentations, and intensive use of technology. This transition became both a challenge and a pivotal point in her academic development.

During her master’s program, she extensively used Google Scholar to access international journals and strengthen her academic writing skills, YouTube to deepen her understanding of lecture materials, and social media as a tool to improve her Indonesian language proficiency. Prior to coming to Indonesia, she had studied Indonesian for three years at the Indonesian Cultural Center in Cairo. She further enhanced her language skills by intentionally exposing herself to Indonesian digital content daily, following educational accounts and local content creators to immerse herself in the language. As a result, her linguistic competence improved significantly.

In the context of scholarship preparation and cross country study, digital learning played a crucial role in enhancing her research literacy, academic writing ability, and mental readiness to adapt to different educational systems. She emphasized that scholarships are not merely a matter of luck, but rather the meeting point between opportunity and well-prepared effort through discipline and strategic use of technology.

One of the main highlights of the discussion was the contrast between the Egyptian and Indonesian education systems. At Al-Azhar University, students do not use laptops in class, there is no open-book system, and attendance is not mandatory academic responsibility rests entirely on the individual. In contrast, Indonesian universities require students to actively participate in discussions, develop research proposals, conduct independent analysis, and present their findings publicly. Although initially challenging, this shift fostered greater confidence and a more critical, open-minded academic approach.

As an educational content creator, Fatimah also uses social media to share reflections on education, experiences of cultural adjustment, scholarship preparation insights, and perspectives on art and culture. She believes that social media can function as a “classroom” when used intentionally and productively.

During the discussion, Amelia highlighted that the conversation extended beyond cross-country academic experiences. It addressed how Generation Z can continue striving toward their goals. According to Amelia, the essence of digital learning lies in the ability to focus on self-development, build competencies, and use technology as a strategic tool rather than merely for entertainment or social validation.

Responding to questions about common mistakes among Gen Z, Fatimah noted that many young people still use technology primarily for entertainment. She pointed out that social media algorithms reflect users’ habits therefore, if individuals wish to grow, they must curate their digital environment intentionally. She also addressed digital challenges such as distraction, unequal access to stable internet connections, and information overload, all of which require digital literacy and strong self-discipline.

In her closing remarks, she encouraged Generation Z not to underestimate their educational background, even if it originates from a traditional system. A strong foundation, when combined with discipline, faith, and smart use of technology, can open global opportunities. “Dream big, prepare seriously, and trust the process,” she advised young people who are still striving to achieve their scholarship dreams.

Through this podcast, NEXT Edutech reaffirmed that digital learning is not merely a trend, but a strategic bridge that enables Generation Z to build academic readiness, language competence, and mental resilience in pursuing international educational opportunities.

 

Writer: Cinta Fatima Az Zahra (2025A)