Thesis preparation is a critical stage in higher education, particularly at the postgraduate or master's level. This process often demands significant time, resources, and effort from students. With the increasing complexity of research topics and the volume of information to be managed, many students struggle to formulate arguments, organize data, and produce high-quality writing. Students frequently face challenges in breaking down broad themes, particularly in the current era of AI advancements. Beyond utilizing AI wisely, the academic environment must also integrate and align AI effectively.
To address these issues, the Master of Sharia Economics Study Program (MES), Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, organized a Research Camp on Friday, December 22, 2024. This event served as an alternative solution to help students prepare for and navigate their thesis journey effectively and efficiently. Initially planned to be held at Ledok Sambi with a natural setting aimed at refreshing students' minds, the event was relocated to the Febi campus due to extreme weather conditions in Yogyakarta, including heavy rain and strong winds. Surprisingly, this change heightened the students' enthusiasm and focus during the practical sessions.
The event commenced with an opening and welcoming remarks by the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, Prof. Misnen Ardiansyah, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., ACPA. He encouraged and congratulated the MES students, urging them to participate with full enthusiasm and concentration. "Use this Research Camp as an opportunity for in-depth training on research methodologies, such as research design, data analysis, and academic writing. This will help you understand more effective and up-to-date techniques to apply in your research," the Dean advised the MES students.
This was followed by remarks from Head of MES Study Program, Dr. Muhammad Ghafur Wibowo, S.E., M.Sc. Known for his enthusiasm in mentoring and ensuring the progress of his students, particularly in research, he emphasized that the Research Camp is a valuable investment of time, particularly in thesis preparation. "This Research Camp is your chance to interact directly with experts and experienced researchers. It is an opportunity to receive advice, feedback, and firsthand insights into your research plans or projections, particularly in this digital era where you must learn to integrate AI wisely as a strategy to simplify and deepen your research," said Dr. Wibowo.
Undeniably, the use of modern technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), holds significant potential to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the thesis-writing process. AI can assist in various stages, from data collection and statistical analysis to argument structuring. For instance, natural language processing (NLP) tools can be utilized for literature reviews, while data analysis algorithms can expedite the processing and interpretation of research data. Moreover, research methodologies applied in thesis writing can be enhanced through AI. The integration of AI into methodologies can provide deeper insights and more comprehensive analyses, creating a synergy between technology and research methodologies that ultimately improves the quality of research output. However, the effective use of AI requires students to have a solid understanding of research methodologies.
Recognizing the significance of mastering methodologies and AI skills, the Research Camp featured two speakers. The first, Dr. Wing Wahyu Winarno, M.A.F.I.S., Ak., CA., from STIE YKPN, an AI expert and author of numerous methodology books, emphasized that "The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), starting with ChatGPT in early 2023 and followed by hundreds of other AI applications, has progressed faster than we anticipated. AI can replace humans in writing, so students must use it wisely and appropriately." During the session, Dr. Winarno also provided practical guidance on using AI through various applications.
The second speaker, Dr. Miftakhul Khasanah, S.TP., M.S.I., delivered a more in-depth presentation on breaking down research themes in Islamic economics to support students' theses. She also discussed the appropriate methodologies that can be integrated with AI. Her primary goal was to bridge the gap between technology and academic practice by exploring relevant AI applications and methodologies that can facilitate thesis preparation.
Through the collaborative approach of these two speakers, the Research Camp is expected to make a significant contribution to enhancing students' experiences during the thesis-writing process.