Community Service Program: Introducing Drone Technology to Enhance Students’ Technological Literacy at SMA Negeri 4 Bengkulu Tengah

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), University of Bengkulu, recently carried out a community service program at SMA Negeri 4 Central Bengkulu with the theme “Introduction and Training in the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) to Improve Technological Literacy.” The activity was led by a team of Physics Department lecturers—Dr. Elfi Yuliza, Dr. Riska Ekawita, Rida Samdara, M.S., Suhendra, M.T., and Irkhos, M.Si.—assisted by student volunteers.

Drone technology was chosen as the focus of this program because it is widely applied in the Physics Department for mapping, disaster management, rip current detection, and renewable energy surveys. In addition, drone skills are increasingly relevant in the digital era, offering valuable opportunities for future careers.

The event began with welcoming remarks from the school principal, Eka Pariyantini, S.Pd., M.Pd., followed by presentations on drone applications and hands-on training. Four student representatives from each class took part in flight practice sessions, while a total of 45 12th-grade students enthusiastically participated in the program. To further support learning, the Physics Department also presented a drone to the school.

This activity not only introduced students to cutting-edge technology but also encouraged them to think critically, be creative, and consider pursuing higher education in science and technology. FMIPA hopes that such initiatives will strengthen collaboration between universities and schools while inspiring the next generation of tech-savvy learners.