Mapping Discourse Visually: Why DNA Deserves a Place in Every Emerging Researcher’s Toolkit

Mapping Discourse Visually:
Why DNA Deserves a Place in Every Emerging Researcher’s Toolkit

By Nurul Izzah Febilia

A question commonly aksed by novice researchers is this: which tool is actually more worth using, DNA, Nvivo, or Quirkos? and why?

Last Monday, November 24, Estudia held a workshop on Discourse Network Analysis (DNA) for qualitative data analysis by Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim. Participating in the workshop to operate DNA and Visone is a complement to the experience that students really need. In the previous year, students also received a workshop on how to operate Quirkos and Nvivo on other occasions. Initially, I understood that this workshop was an introduction to qualitative data analysis applications. But as the session progressed, it became increasingly apparent that the DNA approach could open up new perspectives on how discourse is analyzed in depth and visualized in a more informative way. Thus, this activity is not only technical training, but also the entrance to a more creative and systematic approach to research.

Before the workshop started, the question I brought up when participating in this workshop was which one would be more worth it and will be used later: Quirkos, Nvivo, or DNA? Discussions about the advantages of each application often arise in the academic environment, considering that each one has its own characteristics and strengths. However, this DNA workshop offers a fresher perspective. In addition to providing an understanding of how a discourse can be mapped, analyzed, and visualized through a network approach, the workshop also affirmed a significant advantage: both DNA and Visone can be used for free. Dr. Lukman clearly said that if you want to use Nvivo or Quirkos optimally, then the investment is to subscribe to the paid version. This comparison is an important point for students who are looking for an effective and affordable tool.

The practice session using DNA software was then continued with Visone, and this part was one of the most interesting. Both software are relatively easy to operate, especially with Dr. Lukman's direction which is smooth and easy to follow. Participants not only learn how to read the network, but also how to construct it and interpret the relationships between nodes. This process is much more challenging and at the same time more satisfying than just reading theories. Even so, there was a slight technical problem for some participants in the form of a truncated software display so that the navigation buttons at the bottom were not visible. This appears on some laptops, possibly due to screen resolution or inappropriate display settings. The temporary solution used is to disable the laptop's taskbar so that the cursor can reach the button. This obstacle is an important note so that participants can anticipate similar situations in the future, especially when working with visual software.

At the end of the activity, I asked several participants about their impressions after taking part in the workshop. Almost all of them state that this software is relatively easy to operate, especially for new users compared to other qualitative analysis applications. Of course, it has the advantage of not requiring license fees. The biggest challenge remains the coding process, which takes time and practice to get done quickly and accurately. Interestingly, a number of participants who had previously used other software such as Nvivo stated that after participating in this workshop they tended to use DNA for their next research. This collective reflection shows that the workshop is a very valuable scientific complement, as if it is a complement that wraps the learning in the Educational Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis courses with network-based qualitative analysis practices.

In the end, I realized that the opportunity to participate in this workshop for free was a great privilege. This opportunity complements the learning experience because both the campus and the faculty are very supportive of students by continuing to provide learning spaces, support, and facilities that make me feel valued as part of an academic community that is serious about building the capacity of its students. I feel very fortunate to have been part of an environment that encourages students to develop without limits. In this case, gratitude must also be given to Estudia, the faculty, and the entire team who have facilitated activities that are very supportive of students.

Furthermore, as a student at the faculty of education, I see additional benefits of this workshop from a different perspective. It not only provides a technical insights into qualitative analysis, but also demonstrates how complex material can be taught effectively. The way Dr. Lukman teaches is indeed impressive. However, his ability to teach an application in a light, clear, and systematic way became a note-taking for me in increasing the capacity of learning methods as a teacher. I can affirm that one of the reasons why this tool feels so convincing is the way the instructor presents the material. The structured approach, complete with technical guidance such as "if you want results like this, click on these sections", makes the learning process feel logical and easy to follow. A strong pedagogical approach made me not only learn tools, but also learn the learning methods themselves.

Overall, this DNA and Visone workshop provided new understanding, new skills, and greater confidence to face qualitative research, especially in the context of writing a thesis later. This experience is felt not only as technical training, but as an intellectual investment that enriches academic perspectives and research practices within the Faculty of Education, and I look forward to similar activities in the final year of my studies.

by Bambang Sumintono

Growing through Imperfection and Purpose: Reflections on AICIS+ 2025

Growing through Imperfection and Purpose: Reflections on AICIS+ 2025

By Nanik Yuliyanti

This year, on its 24-year journey, The Annual International Conference on Islamic Studies (AICIS) that initially focused on traditional religious studies, evolved into AICIS+: the Annual International Conference on Islam, Science, and Society. This shift marked a bold new direction toward larger and deeper impact.

For me, it has been an honor to be part of AICIS+ 2025, an experience that was as humbling as it was inspiring. From the moment the conference opened at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), I felt the weight of its ambition: to bridge Islamic scholarship with science, society, and sustainability (bridging tradition and innovation to shape a better future). This year’s theme, Islam, Ecotheology, and Technological Transformation: Multidisciplinary Innovations for an Equitable and Sustainable Future, resonated deeply with me, not only as a PhD student at faculty of education UIII that  juggling with courses and researches, but also as someone who strives to live a meaningful and impactful life.

This was actually my second year engaging with AICIS. Last year, hosted by UIN Walisongo Semarang, I participated as a presenter from UIII.  I shared my paper in a panel session and received sharp and intellectually nourishing feedback from two Indonesian professors who served as discussants. This year, I returned in a different role: as an event volunteer and moderator for three panels: Ecotheology and Environmental Sustainability, Decolonizing Islamic Studies, and Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Crisis. Each panel offered rich perspectives, but also revealed the logistical challenges of organizing a conference of this scale. For example, many assigned discussants were absent, and speakers openly expressed their disappointment, having hoped for expert feedback to refine their works.

AICIS+ 2025 was a first for UIII in many ways. It tested the limits of our infrastructure, our coordination, and our capacity to host hundreds and even thousands of scholars and participants from across Indonesia and abroad. And yet, it also revealed our potential. The Rectorate Building, mosque, library, and faculty halls buzzed with energy and authenticity, drawing admiration from participants and guests alike. The sessions were intellectually vibrant, and the side events, from the Edu Expo to the Halal Festival, added layers of engagement beyond the academic. However, since there were many different activities and events held at the same time, the participants as well as the volunteers and organizers were quite hectic and exhausted. At times, the main venue felt unexpectedly quiet, with only a few participants scattered across the space, perhaps a result of simultaneous sessions spread across multiple venues and buildings.

Still, there were valuable moments that prompted reflection. During the panel of Ecotheology and Environmental Sustainability, as also mentioned by Dedi Mulyadi (Governor of West Java) during his last visit to UIII, this university is proudly branded as a green campus, yet many of its buildings are dominated by glass walls with no operable windows. This architectural choice, while visually striking, raises questions about sustainability and comfort. As someone moderating a panel on ecotheology, I couldn’t help but notice the irony. To this extent, I was struck by another reminder that even in our pursuit of innovation, we must remain critical and grounded. In fact, this was not just a critique, but an invitation: come visit UIII, and witness not only its architectural beauty, but also its ongoing efforts to grow toward meaningful innovation and sustainability.

Another valuable lesson I took from this experience is about the importance of empathy. As an event volunteer and moderator, I had to navigate different personalities, expectations, and frustrations. I saw how participants reacted to difficulty in finding the venues, confusing information and instructions, delays, missing discussants, and logistical hiccups. Some were gracious, others were less so. Had I been a participant and presenter, I might have felt the same. But knowing how tirelessly the organizing team worked behind the scenes, I also understood the complexity and constraints we all faced. Moreover, I believe that behind every complaint, there was a desire to be heard, to be valued. And behind every effort from the organizing team, was a commitment to make this conference meaningful and impactful. And speaking from my own experiences, sometimes, I feel like criticism helps us grow faster and stronger than praise or encouragement. It sharpens our awareness and pushes us to transform and improve. So, though it’s not always easy, I believe we should embrace criticism and move forward with it.

Furthermore, I also learned that growth often comes from knowing our limits, and then gently pushing past them. This year, we saw how far UIII could stretch to accommodate a global conference. We saw what worked, and what didn’t. But more importantly, we saw that there is no fixed limit, only opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow.

Last but not least, AICIS+ also made me reflect on Indonesia’s place in the global imagination and perception. Ask someone abroad about Indonesia, and they might say Bali, Borobudur, Monas, or many tropical beaches and islands. Rarely do they mention Islam, despite Indonesia being the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. UIII was built to change that narrative. It aims to become a center of Islamic scholarship that is globally engaged and locally rooted. Through AICIS+, we take one step closer to that vision. It’s a long journey, but not an impossible one.

This year’s conference was not perfect, but it was purposeful. It reminded me that imperfection is not failure, it is feedback and raw material for growth. And when we approach it with humility and hope, it becomes a blessing. To everyone who made AICIS+ 2025 possible, thank you. Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the teamwork. May our efforts bring new opportunities, deeper understanding, and meaningful impact.

by Bambang Sumintono