Workshop Empowers Yogyakarta English Teachers as Digital Content Creators

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - English teachers across Yogyakarta are discovering new ways to extend their influence beyond the classroom, as a pioneering workshop reframed them not only as educators but also as digital creators.

The English Education Department of Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University (PBUMY), joined forces with the Jogja English Teacher Association (JETA), hosted the workshop on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the multipurpose laboratory of state-run junior high school SMPN 5 Yogyakarta.

Entitled Becoming a Teacher Creator - Teachers as Digital Performers: Transforming Experiential and Performative English Learning in the Classroom. the workshop highlighted innovative experiential and performative approaches to English teaching.

Workshop leaders, Puthut Ardianto and fellow lecturer Mariska Intan Sari, explained that the collaboration between UMY and JETA builds on previous partnerships. They believe the “teacher creator” concept is highly relevant today, as more educational creators emerge across digital platforms.

“English teachers already have strong foundations, they teach, speak in public, design learning tools, and interact with students. The challenge is translating these strengths into engaging, ethical, and pedagogically sound content,” Puthut said on Tuesday.

In his session -- How Can English Teachers Become Content Creators Without Losing the Heart of Pedagogy? -- Puthut reminded participants that content creation should not be about chasing trends but about preserving the essence of teaching.

He stressed the importance of ethics, integrity, and academic responsibility, while also warning about copyright issues. “Your content will travel beyond your classroom, check the license before designing around it,” he advised.

A total of 63 participants joined, representing JETA members and volunteer teachers from Kulon Progo, Gunungkidul, Bantul, Sleman, and Yogyakarta City.

While JETA regularly hosts annual conferences, this was the first time the theme of teachers as content creators was explored, an initiative driven by PBUMY to address issues directly tied to educators’ welfare.

Participants came with varied motivations: some had already begun producing content, others wanted to start but didn’t know how, and many were curious about the digital opportunities available.

Puthut emphasized that content creation could provide teachers with a “double life” -- continuing their role as educators while also building a presence as creators, potentially generating additional income. He noted that students benefit too, as creative teachers deliver more engaging lessons.

The second speaker, Chandra Cellano, a content creator and affiliate marketing practitioner, offered practical strategies for teachers to begin their career journey as digital creators and practical tips.

He discussed building a social media presence, packaging learning materials into educational products, and exploring economic opportunities in the digital space.

His session drew lively engagement, with teachers asking about professional account management, content types, audience trust, and ethical ways to market educational products online.

“The hardest part is the initial motivation. We need support and appreciation from those around us. Knowledge, especially English has no age limit, and social media allows it to reach far beyond the classroom," Chandra explained.

"Opportunities for income are vast, whether through affiliate programs or non-affiliate content,” he added.

Teachers welcomed the initiative enthusiastically. Parmilah, an English teacher from state-run senior high school SMAN 1 Banguntapan, said she was drawn to the workshop from the title alone.

“I already have several accounts but haven’t maximized them due to limited knowledge and time. This event inspired me to see teaching as not only about the classroom but also about sharing knowledge online, reaching wider audiences, and even gaining entrepreneurial benefits,” she said.

Parmilah expressed hopes that future sessions will include practical training in video editing to help teachers produce more engaging content.

The workshop's organizers also plan to collect feedback from the participants to determine whether a second batch of the workshop should be held.

Through this workshop, UMY and JETA aim to empower English teachers to confidently step into the role of teacher creators, educators who not only teach but also design, share, and expand learning content for broader audiences.

The initiative serves as a reminder that digital transformation in education should strengthen, not dilute, the pedagogical values that define teachers as lifelong educators, performers, creators, and learners. ***