Akhlak dalam Menuntut Ilmu: Tantangan Mahasiswa di Era Digital ~ MKWN4101 Pendidikan Agama Islam

Summary

The program discusses Islamic ethics in seeking knowledge and the challenges students face in the digital era, particularly in independent and online study. Its central message is that education should develop both knowledge and character. Learning is not merely about earning grades or collecting information; it should be pursued with sincere intention, integrity, discipline, humility, and concern for others.

1. Good conduct in seeking knowledge

In Islamic teaching, good conduct includes a student’s attitude, behavior, and manners. Knowledge and morals belong together: knowledge without morals may be misused, while good intentions without knowledge can limit a person’s development.

Students should seek knowledge sincerely for Allah and treat learning as part of worship. They should aim not only for grades, recognition, or social-media approval, but also to improve themselves and benefit society. Good manners should be maintained both in person and online, including in comments and social-media interactions.

2. Challenges in the digital era

Technology makes information and learning resources readily available, but it also creates risks, including:

• Plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
• Sharing unverified or misleading information.
• Cyberbullying and inappropriate online behavior.
• Excessive social-media use that takes time away from study.
• An “instant-results” mindset, including relying on AI instead of doing the work of learning.

Technology should support learning, not replace students’ effort, thought, or responsibility. Islamic values such as effort, patience, honesty, and prayer remain important.

3. Using AI and other technology responsibly

AI can be useful when students use it wisely. For example, it can help them find possible references, get an initial explanation of a difficult concept, develop a writing outline, generate ideas, or support further study of course materials and original sources.

However, students should not let AI replace their own thinking or reading. They should check original materials, analyze ideas, apply concepts to real-life situations, and take responsibility for their own work. When required, they should identify sources and make their work verifiable. AI should be a learning aid, not a shortcut to plagiarism or academic fraud.

4. Academic honesty

Academic honesty is a foundation of student character and a way to strengthen learning. It involves:

• Producing work independently and understanding the material.
• Citing sources and respecting other people’s intellectual work.
• Avoiding plagiarism, cheating, manipulation of research data, and undisclosed misuse of AI.
• Taking responsibility for one’s learning and submitted work.

The speaker warns that academic violations may lead to sanctions, ranging from low or failing grades to more serious consequences. Honest study may take longer, but it builds meaningful knowledge, integrity, and habits that carry into professional life.

5. Assessing information found online

Students are encouraged to use critical thinking and digital literacy rather than immediately believing or sharing material. A practical approach is to:

1. Verify the information: Check its source, author, and publication date.
2. Compare sources: See whether other credible sources confirm it.
3. Prefer reliable references: Use scholarly journals, books, conference proceedings, and official sources such as government, university, or professional-organization websites.
4. Analyze the content: Distinguish facts from opinions and assumptions, and consider whether evidence supports the claims.
5. Pause before sharing: Confirm information before forwarding it to social media or group chats.
6. Respect copyright: Credit sources when using another person’s words, data, images, or other work.
7. Use technology ethically: Treat the internet and AI as learning tools, not substitutes for original work.

Digital literacy means being able to find, evaluate, use, and share information accurately and responsibly.

6. Communicating with lecturers and tutors online

The program offers practical guidance for respectful digital communication:

• Use polite, courteous language; avoid overly casual wording and excessive abbreviations.
• Avoid typing entire messages in capital letters, which can seem like shouting.
• Introduce yourself clearly and include relevant details, such as your name, student number, study program, and course or class.
• State the purpose of your message briefly and clearly.
• Contact lecturers or tutors at reasonable times, preferably during working hours unless the matter is genuinely urgent.
• Allow time for a reply. Do not send repeated messages in quick succession or demand an immediate response.
• Use official email for formal academic matters when appropriate.
• In online discussions, avoid insulting or offensive remarks and respond with respectful, evidence-based arguments.
• Protect privacy and confidentiality.

The speaker also notes that lecturers and tutors should provide feedback in a timely way so students have a fair opportunity to respond to comments or make revisions.

7. Discipline in independent study

Discipline is essential for students who manage their own learning. Students should:

• Make a study schedule and record deadlines for tutorials, discussions, and assignments.
• Divide study time realistically around work and other responsibilities.
• Complete tasks on time rather than waiting until deadlines are near.
• Use the schedules and learning resources provided by the university.
• Treat time management as part of being responsible for their studies.

These habits can also prepare students for professional life.

8. Success from an Islamic perspective

Student success is not measured only by high grades or by finishing quickly. It also includes:

• Noble character, humility, honesty, and responsibility.
• Respect for lecturers, tutors, and fellow students.
• Cooperation rather than arrogance or selfishness.
• A willingness to keep learning and improving.
• Applying knowledge in daily life and using it to help address problems in society.

The program concludes that valuable knowledge is knowledge put into practice. True success combines broad knowledge, good morals, and a real contribution to others.

Speakers and sources featured

• Dita Zakiah (also rendered in the subtitles as Dita Zakia or Dita Zakyana Nur) — program host.
• Nova Tri Prasetiyo, M.Pd. — guest speaker and lecturer, joining remotely.
• Unnamed student voice — appears in the opening dramatization about being confused before exams.
• Angga Yunanda — identified in a promotional clip as an Open University Communication Science student and graduate.
• Unnamed promotional voice-over(s) — appear in UT Radio and Open University promotional segments, including a segment about Mamasa.
• Unnamed singers or performers — heard in the Open University promotional song.