THE ROLE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE DIGITAL ERA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the educational landscape, particularly in primary education. This study explores the role of primary school teachers in the digital era, focusing on the challenges they face and the opportunities available to enhance teaching and learning processes. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis involving fifteen primary school teachers from urban and rural schools in [City/Region, Indonesia]. The findings indicate that while digital technologies offer opportunities for personalized learning, student engagement, and the development of 21st-century skills, teachers encounter challenges including limited digital literacy, inadequate technological infrastructure, and insufficient professional development. The study emphasizes the need for continuous professional training, collaborative learning communities, and supportive policies to enable teachers to effectively integrate digital tools into their pedagogical practices. These insights provide guidance for educators, policymakers, and researchers to enhance the quality and equity of digital education in primary schools.