Balikpapan - Three Informatics students from Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) earned First Honorable Mention in the Infographic Category of the EXSIS (Expression and Inspiration) Competition. They achieved this accomplishment through a creative idea that positions Generation Z as a driving force for digital literacy among older generations.

The ITK team consisted of Benediktus Aldreno Fabian Wowor, James Alvaro Gavriel Pulung, and Niken Qinata Rahayu, all Informatics students from the 2024 cohort. They competed as a team led by Benediktus.

The online competition was organized by the Student Association of the Library Science Study Program, Faculty of Administrative Science, Universitas Brawijaya. The team presented an infographic entitled “Gen Z as a Bridge for 360-Degree Education: A Reverse Mentoring Mission.”

The reverse mentoring idea emerged from the team’s concern about the digital skills gap between generations. They observed that many older people already owned smartphones but still struggled to use various digital features and services safely and effectively.

This situation can leave older users more vulnerable to misinformation, online fraud, and difficulties in accessing essential digital services. In response, the ITK team encouraged Gen Z to use their digital knowledge not only for themselves but also to support their families and communities.

Through reverse mentoring, the conventional mentoring relationship is reversed. Young people are encouraged to become patient mentors who help their parents and other family members understand and use technology.

To make the concept practical, the team developed the P-A-N-D-U method as a simple guide for action. It encourages Gen Z to help their families verify information and avoid misinformation, introduce older generations to new technologies, inspire lifelong learning, provide guidance until they can independently use digital services, and explain technical terms in accessible everyday language.

In preparing their work, the team first examined the competition guidelines and theme before assigning responsibilities according to each member’s strengths. Some members focused on research and gathered reliable data from Statistics Indonesia and relevant government sources, while others developed the content and copywriting to ensure that the infographic remained engaging and easy to understand.

Transforming statistical data into compelling visual information was one of their main challenges. In addition to working under tight deadlines and completing multiple revisions, the team had to ensure that every visual element communicated its message clearly and concisely.

“The process was both exciting and challenging. We learned a great deal about research, data presentation, time management, and teamwork,” the team said.

Receiving First Honorable Mention became a valuable experience and further motivated the students to continue developing their abilities. They hope that the reverse mentoring concept and P-A-N-D-U method will not remain merely a competition entry but can be implemented in everyday life, beginning within their own families.

This achievement demonstrates that ITK students’ creativity can produce not only competitive work but also ideas relevant to challenges within society. Through simple actions at home, Gen Z can become a bridge toward a safer, more inclusive, and accessible digital environment for every generation.