Flying Creativity: Drone Pilot Training Strengthens Digital Skills of UGM Library and Archives Staff

A number of staff from UGM Library and Archives participated in a drone pilot training session held in the Archives Meeting Room on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The session featured Megaputra Zulfikar Whana Aji Kesdu from UGM’s Public Relations and Protocol Office as the trainer, a professional with extensive expertise and experience in drone operation. This activity aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it highlights inter-unit collaboration within UGM.

The training provided UGM Library and Archives staff with new skills to create innovative digital content, supporting technology-based learning in line with SDG 4: Quality Education. Drone technology enables UGM Library and Archives to improve digital literacy within the community by presenting library information in more creative and interactive ways.

During the session, participants were introduced to various drone components, basic operating techniques, and the ethics and restrictions of drone use, especially in academic and official documentation contexts.

“Drones are a rapidly evolving technology that remains relevant across various fields, including documentation, service promotion, and information preservation,” said Megaputra.

Following the theoretical session, participants were taken outdoors to practice operating drones. With direct guidance from the trainer, they learned how to safely and effectively pilot drones. The hands-on practice reinforced the theoretical knowledge and provided real-world experience in controlling these advanced devices.

One of the participants, Nabiilah, shared her enthusiasm for the training. “We’ve gained a better understanding of how drones work and the regulations we need to follow. The practice session was exciting and opened new perspectives for supporting our roles in the library and archives,” she said.

This training encourages the adoption of advanced technologies to support documentation, service promotion, and archive preservation. It contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, equipping staff with the ability to create high-quality visual documentation and modernize the presentation of library and archival services.

Additionally, the initiative aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, fostering adaptation to new technologies that enhance efficiency and innovation to support both academic communities and the broader society. By embracing technology like drones, UGM Library and Archives stays relevant amidst evolving global trends, creating broader positive impacts for academic and public communities alike.

Looking ahead, UGM Library and Archives remains committed to innovation with cutting-edge technologies, unlocking new opportunities to improve service quality and advancing the achievement of various sustainable development goals. This drone pilot training marks not just a skill-building activity but also a tangible step toward sustainable digital transformation.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh