Our first local colloquium took place last Saturday, November 15, 2008, in the computer laboratory of SMKN 1 Probolinggo. Attended by 13 English teachers, the meeting — which actually served as an MGMP (Teachers’ Working Group) session — lasted for about three hours, from 09:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Around 5–10 other teachers who had been invited could not attend due to various reasons.
During the occasion, I had the chance to share some key information I had obtained from the 2nd Master English Teachers (MET) Colloquium in Jakarta last August. One of the most important updates was about the Internet-Based TOEIC Test on Speaking and Writing, which my colleagues in Probolinggo had not heard about before. It was quite surprising to find that none of them knew such a test existed. Unfortunately, I couldn’t show them printed materials or visuals since that was not our main agenda, and we hadn’t yet duplicated the Examinee Handbook or other relevant documents. However, I promised to provide more information about the test in our next meeting.
The main agenda of the meeting was a brief workshop on Hot Potatoes, a software for creating computer-based quizzes. Although some participants — especially the ladies — found it a bit challenging to work with computers, they were still very enthusiastic about the program. Despite having an LCD projector, I had to move around the room many times to assist them with their tasks. But I truly enjoyed it. Let’s just say it was a good physical workout for me!
We chose this agenda because we believed it was time to introduce computer-based tests to our students and to diversify our teaching methods by using available technology. Based on my own experience, when designed and presented properly, quizzes or tests created with Hot Potatoes can be both fun and educational. They can give students a fresh and constructive learning experience — one that helps nurture and sustain their motivation to learn English.
I felt genuinely happy to share what I knew and to pass on valuable information to my fellow teachers in Probolinggo. I truly appreciate their eagerness to learn and their warm cooperation. My gratitude also goes to SMKN 1 Probolinggo, especially to the headmaster (who, though hesitant at first, later gave his support) and to my colleagues there for helping make the event possible.
Special thanks to Mr. Gumawang Jati from Bandung Talent Source for generously sharing his licensed Hot Potatoes software with us — a real contribution to teacher development.
Above all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Jenny Lee, Mr. Victor Chan, and everyone at ITC Jakarta for their efforts in upgrading English teachers through the Master English Teachers’ Colloquium program. In a broader sense, I believe your hard work will continue to bear fruit and add meaningful color to English language teaching in Indonesia.
Lastly, I sincerely hope that my MET colleagues will also share their experiences here. I’m sure there is much we can learn from one another. You are all such inspiring people, and I’ll never forget the wonderful moments we shared.
Keep in touch, and keep sharing, Masters!
Kamis, 8 Nov 2025 — Sayang sekali, saya tidak sempat mendokumentasikan momen bersejarah ini dalam bentuk foto. Namun kenangan dan semangat kolaborasi saat itu masih sangat hidup di ingatan saya — sebuah langkah kecil yang berarti besar bagi komunitas guru Bahasa Inggris SMK di Probolinggo.
