Hello peeps! I’m Ghassani Ghina Amirah, call me Mia. Let me take you my journey as an Online Tutor at Bitlabs Academy x the Prakerja Program. I’m excited to share a story from my experience as an online tutor with Bitlabs Academy x the Prakerja Program. However, this is not my first experience in teaching; I have previously had the opportunity to teach in different settings, which has allowed me to develop my skills and gain valuable insights into effective teaching methods. Before diving into online education, in 2013 I spent 8 months as a on-site teacher at a vocational school (SMK — Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan), where I had the chance to inspire and guide students in a hands-on learning environment. Now, I’m blending that past experience with the digital world, shaping new generations of learners in an entirely different way.
Imagine having a guide by your side, someone who can unravel the mysteries of design and help you see the world through a creative lens. A design tutor is not just someone who teaches the technical skills behind creating stunning visuals; they are a mentor who helps you tap into your own unique creative potential. Whether you’re exploring the world of graphic design, learning how to craft user experiences, or perfecting the art of visual storytelling, a design tutor will shape your journey.This isn’t about memorizing rules; it’s about discovering your style and the thought process that makes designs impactful. You’ll dive into the principles of design, uncover the psychology behind color, and develop an understanding of typography, layout, and composition, all while honing your ability to communicate effectively through visual mediums.
In February 2024, I was contacted by the recruiter via LinkedIn, who reached out to inquire about my qualifications. She requested an updated version of my CV, and after reviewing it, she decided to continue our conversation on WhatsApp. Following this, I was required to go through a basic interview, where I had the opportunity to discuss my background and skills. Upon successfully passing the interview, I was asked to provide a teaching demo to showcase my instructional abilities. After completing the demo, I patiently waited for a few days to receive an update, and finally, I was thrilled to learn that I had passed all the steps and was moving forward in the process.
Following that, the recruiter invited me to join a WhatsApp group that included all the online tutor for How to Operate Adobe Illustrator for Beginners (Belajar Membuat Ilustrasi dengan Adobe Illustrator untuk Calon Illustrator) class, a year-long initiative designed to provide comprehensive training and support for both new and experienced instructors. This group served as a central hub for communication, allowing trainers to share resources, discuss best practices, and stay updated on program developments throughout the year.
I was required to attend an onboarding session, during which they thoroughly explained the regulations and procedures. This included a detailed overview of the agreement between the online tutors and Bitlabs’ management, as well as an in-depth explanation of the schedule for each batch and the available shifts. The session provided a clear understanding of the expectations, ensuring that all tutors were well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities throughout the program.
The class will be conducted over the course of one week, from Monday to Friday, and will be taught entirely in Indonesian. To accommodate different schedules, there are two shifts available for each batch: the morning class runs from 8:00 to 11:00 AM, while the night class is held from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. While each class is intended to have 50 students, the actual number may vary depending on how many students redeem the tickets for the session. This flexible structure ensures that students can choose the class time that best fits their availability.
I’d like to share a brief overview of what students learn during each batch of the program.
On Day 1, the students are introduced to the basics of Adobe, including an explanation of what Adobe Illustrator is, as well as the key differences between Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. They also cover the fundamental principles of design, which form the foundation for their creative work.
On Day 2, the focus shifts to learning the essential shortcuts and tools in Adobe Illustrator, followed by an introduction to typography. The students then have the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned.
On Day 3, they dive into color theory, learning how to apply colors effectively within Adobe Illustrator, and then continue with hands-on practice.
Day 4 covers the effects available in Adobe Illustrator, as well as an introduction to design briefs, and the students apply these concepts through practical exercises.
Finally, on Day 5, the students explore about illustration and poster design, and learn about the various file formats for saving work in Adobe Illustrator. The day concludes with an explanation of their final task, providing a clear understanding of what they need to accomplish by the end of the course.
Through this experience, I have encountered several challenges. Such as: One of the main issues is the internet connection. Since this course is conducted entirely online, it affects not only me but also the students and facilitators. Unstable or slow connections can hinder communication and make it difficult for everyone to stay on track.
Another challenge is that some students do not have access to proper devices, such as laptops or computers. Many of them are forced to participate using their mobile phones, which limits their ability to fully engage with the course materials and tools.
Additionally, some participants have an educational background that is not related to the course content. This lack of prior knowledge sometimes makes it difficult for them to grasp the concepts quickly, causing delays in their understanding of the lessons.
And then, the course duration is relatively short, and students are required to complete tasks after every session. However, some students still struggle to fully understand the material, especially when it comes to applying the concepts during practice sessions. This time constraint often leaves them with insufficient time to absorb the information and practice effectively.
With a tutor, you won’t just follow instructions — you’ll learn how to think critically about design, solve problems creatively, and adapt to an ever-evolving field. You’ll gain insights not only into the tools and techniques but also into the creative strategies that make great designs stand out.
So, whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, a design tutor is your key to unlocking a world of creativity and innovation. Ready to transform your design journey? Let’s get started!
*The Prakerja Program is a workforce and entrepreneurship competency development program aimed at job seekers, workers/laborers affected by termination of employment, and/or workers/laborers who need competency improvement, including micro and small business entrepreneurs by Indonesian government (https://www.prakerja.go.id/tentang-prakerja).
*The Prakerja Program is a workforce and entrepreneurship competency development program aimed at job seekers, workers/laborers affected by termination of employment, and/or workers/laborers who need competency improvement, including micro and small business entrepreneurs by Indonesian government (https://www.prakerja.go.id/tentang-prakerja).
A stunning design can captivate and amaze, drawing people in with its beauty and creativity.
