INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL ETHICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: CONTEXTUAL CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SOCIETY 5.0 ERA

Abstract

This study examines the integration of digital ethics and artificial intelligence (AI) into the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum as a strategic response to the challenges of the Society 5.0 era. The ongoing transformation in education driven by digitalization and automation requires a PAI curriculum that not only emphasizes spiritual values but also equips students with Islamic digital literacy and applied ethical understanding of AI. The main objective of this research is to develop and validate an integrative, context-based, and sustainability-oriented PAI curriculum model grounded in digital ethics. Employing a qualitative approach with a research and development (R&D) design, the study involved teachers, lecturers, and students from various Islamic educational institutions across Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and curriculum document analysis, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model and validated through expert judgment. The findings indicate that the integration of digital ethics into PAI learning remains limited, while teachers and students express a strong need for AI-based curriculum guidance. The developed curriculum model emphasizes three core components: (1) key competencies encompassing Islamic digital literacy, AI ethics comprehension, and the internalization of Islamic values in technology use; (2) a learning structure that connects religious teachings with daily digital practices; and (3) innovative pedagogical strategies through project-based learning, digital storytelling, and critical digital literacy. Field trials demonstrated increased ethical awareness and digital competence among students, along with positive teacher responses toward the curriculum’s relevance and sustainability. A longitudinal evaluation is recommended to assess the long-term impact of curriculum implementation on the development of Islamic digital character and institutional readiness to adapt technology-based learning sustainably.