Four gaming laptop screens were brightly lit. Before them, students in white and red uniforms were ready to explore the Minecraft game. They couldn’t wait to get started.
“I’ve made a stadium in Minecraft,” said one student when asked about what he’s built. A wide smile was visible in Riyan Kresnandi’s eyes, the archival exhibition artist and host, whose face was covered by a mask.
“Well, then, you (students) can please teach us (the committee),” said Riyan, laughing.
The workshop started immediately. Small hands and fingers immediately flew the keyboard and mouse with agility. They seem to be used to Minecraft. The atmosphere of the gallery space at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (TBY) became livelier.
The agenda for the Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021 archive program was to invite elementary students to create works of art using Minecraft. Today, on Wednesday (3/11) afternoon, Serayu Elementary School students are the participants.
What’s unusual is that games are usually viewed as a nuisance within the formal education circles. Games are considered to be the cause of students’ declining academic performance. So, what is this workshop trying to achieve?
Responding to this question, Endang Werdiningsih, a grade 6 teacher at SD Serayu who accompanied the workshop participants, spoke up.
“I think it’s all a matter of portion. Not all games are bad. They can help construct and expand children’s imagination. However, as parents and teachers, we accompany and supervise them (children) not 24 hours a day,” she said.
According to her, elementary school students are not yet capable to control themselves and their emotions. For children to play games until they lose track of time can reduce the children’s sensitivity towards their surrounding environment.
“For example, when a person falls (near where the child) is playing a game. Then, (the child) lets it be. For those who are wise, the game must be very helpful for imagination. However, the case seems to be rare,” added Endang.
Furthermore, Endang still feels that artistic abilities need to be honed from an early age.
“Artistic abilities and creativity are important. If we are at school, the left brain is active. However, we need balance from the right brain as well. There are also various types of intelligence, including artistic intelligence. For example, visual arts that’s also balanced with music,” she concluded.
The day was still long. The elementary school students were still exploring the Minecraft game with burning enthusiasm. They seem to stop only when their stomachs grumbled for food or when their parents came to take them home.
