Integrating Islamic values into digital learning: A framework for ethical information literacy in higher education
Keywords:
Digital learning, Ethical information literacy, Higher education, Islamic valuesAbstract
The rapid expansion of digital learning in higher education underscores the need for information literacy competencies that integrate both technical proficiency and ethical judgment. Within Islamic higher education, the incorporation of Islamic moral principles provides a distinct ethical foundation for guiding students interactions with digital information. This study develops a comprehensive framework for ethical information literacy by aligning internationally recognized information-literacy standards with core Islamic values, including honesty (ṣidq), trustworthiness (amanah), justice (ʿadl), and proper conduct (adab). Employing a qualitative systematic literature review, the research synthesizes scholarship on digital learning, global information-literacy models, and Islamic ethical thought. Thematic content analysis reveals clear points of convergence between information-literacy competencies and Islamic ethical constructs, demonstrating that integrating Islamic values enhances students’ ethical awareness in evaluating source credibility, upholding academic integrity, and exercising responsible digital citizenship. The proposed framework offers conceptual and practical guidance for embedding Islamic ethical principles into digital pedagogy, instructional design, and assessment strategies. The study’s implications suggest that value-based information-literacy frameworks can strengthen character formation, inform curriculum development, and support institutional policies that promote ethical digital engagement. This framework also provides a foundation for future empirical research on ethical digital-learning practices within Islamic higher education.
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