Bantul, August 6, 2025 – A total of 30 science teachers representing selected schools across Bantul Regency participated in a community service program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat or PkM) organized by lecturers from the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY). The program focused on two main topics: “Optimizing Teachers’ Competence in Implementing Deep Learning Based on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) in the Independent Curriculum” and “Training on the Use of Lumi Application to Develop Ethnoscience-Based Virtual Reality Media for Junior High School Science Teachers in Bantul.” The event was held at SMP Negeri 1 Bantul and was officially opened by the school principal, Haji Isdiyana, S.Pd., who emphasized the importance of deep learning to enhance students’ conceptual understanding. The Head of the Junior High School Science Teacher Association (MGMP IPA) in Bantul, Junaidi, S.Pd., expressed appreciation to the host school for facilitating the program and to UNY for its continued support and collaboration in teacher development through workshops and training.

Dr. Sabar Nurohman, M.Pd., representing the UNY PkM team, highlighted that sustainable collaboration between universities and schools is crucial for improving teacher competencies in the era of the Independent Curriculum. “We hope this training serves as the initial step for long-term mentoring in developing teaching materials based on deep learning and virtual reality,” he stated. The activity began with a hands-on session on using the Lumi application to create ethnoscience-based virtual reality media, facilitated by Widodo Setiyo Wibowo, S.Pd.Si., M.Pd., Dr. Sabar Nurohman, M.Pd., and Dr. Laifa Rahmawati, M.Pd. The next session focused on optimizing teachers’ skills in applying deep learning approaches based on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), led by Dr. Ismail Fikri Natadiwijaya, S.Si., M.Pd., Putri Anjarsari, S.Si., M.Pd., and Yuli Arti, M.Pd. The one-day program concluded with assignments and follow-up plans for mentoring teachers in developing deep learning and virtual reality-based teaching materials aligned with the context of the Independent Curriculum.