HumasUPNVJ – A major step in supporting technology-based learning has been realized by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) by inaugurating the Information Science Laboratory, Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

The inauguration ceremony held at the FISIP Information Science Lab is an important milestone for academic development in the digital era. The event was attended by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Vice Deans of FISIP, Head of the Information Science Study Program, several lecturers, and representatives of Information Science students.

The inauguration ceremony began with a report from the Head of the Information Science Study Program, Dr. Radita Gora Tayibnafis, MM, who conveyed the development and vision of the study program going forward.

In his remarks, Gora revealed that Information Science Study Program students had been actively creating various platforms before this laboratory was built, one of which was the metaverse platform as part of their focus in the immersive field.

"From the beginning, I have emphasized to students here that if they want to enter Information Science, they must have work. Alhamdulillah, since semester 1, the students already have their work," he said.

Gora also added that currently the Information Science study program team is developing a metaverse-based learning model which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"We ask for your prayers, Sir, Ma'am. We will build that learning. We are currently still in the development stage of the prototype model but pray that at least by the end of the year our prototype will be finished and later we plan to submit the application to the campus to be accepted as one of the learning media accompanying LeADS. That is our target," he added.

After the report from the Head of Study Program, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Henry Binsar Hamonangan Sitorus, ST, MT, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of maximizing the utilization of this laboratory. He highlighted how this laboratory has been equipped with Virtual Reality (VR) technology that allows for a more innovative learning experience.

"This laboratory is something that must be utilized to the maximum. This laboratory is equipped with Virtual Reality (VR). I think this is very extraordinary and must get full support from the faculty and the university," he said.

Henry also emphasized that the development of digital technology is something that cannot be avoided, and mastery of this technology is crucial.

"What is certain is that now is the digital era. So we cannot close our eyes to the development of technology, especially digital technology. Whoever masters digital technology, he controls the world because everything in this world is one and we call it Big Data. In addition, through information science we can analyze everything that happens," he said.

Furthermore, Henry stated that the opening of the Information Science Study Program at UPNVJ is a real step in facing the digitalization era. "With the Information Science study program, UPNVJ is increasingly ready to face digitalization and is able to produce competent human resources in this field," he said.

After a series of welcoming remarks, the event continued with a demonstration of the technology available in the laboratory, which includes various supporting devices for teaching and learning activities based on digital technology. The activity ended with a room tour of the laboratory and Information Science class, where students also provided explanations about the activities and projects they had developed.

With the inauguration of the Information Science Laboratory, it is hoped that it can become a forum for students to continue to develop innovation and contribute to the development of technology in the digital era.