Islamic Religious Learning through New Media from the Lived Experiences of Student-Teachers: Implications for Reconsidering the Teacher Education Curriculum

Zeinali, Behrooz

doi:10.48310/jcdr.2025.20166.1209

Islamic Religious Learning through New Media from the Lived Experiences of Student-Teachers: Implications for Reconsidering the Teacher Education Curriculum

Document Type : Original Article

Author

behrooz zeinali

Department of Social Sciences Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665 -889, Tehran, Iran.

10.48310/jcdr.2025.20166.1209

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In recent years, the rise of digital education has significantly transformed the ways Islamic education is delivered and experienced. The increasing use of new media platforms in instructional processes has raised questions among student teachers regarding the quality, meaning, and effectiveness of religious learning in such environments. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of student teachers regarding learning Islamic teachings through digital platforms and to identify the key factors shaping religious understanding in this context. Methods: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten student teachers from Farhangian University. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Findings: The analysis revealed three primary themes: emotional disconnection from formal classrooms, reliance on informal digital resources, and the creation of meaning through personal and reflective learning. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need to revise the Islamic education curriculum, taking into account the learning patterns of the media generation and integrating the potential of virtual environments with the goals of religious education. Challenges such as the lack of instructor presence and the absence of a coherent content framework were also observed throughout the learning process.

Keywords

References

Afshari, M., Cheshmeh Khavar, A. H., & Kashefi, H. (1401/2022). Providing a conceptual model for implementing internship courses virtually. Journal of Curriculum Research, 2(1), 76-95. https://doi.org/10.48310/jcdr.2022.2710 [In Persian].

Ahmadi Hedayat, H., Madi, S. A., & Hamidizadeh, K. (1403/2024). Analyzing the lived experience of directors of cultural-social centers and scientific associations of Farhangian University in Alborz province. Culture in the Islamic University, 14(2), 109-138. https://doi.org/10.22034/ciu.2024.51.109 [In Persian].

Alipour, M., & Ghasemi, S. A. (1401/2022). Analyzing the lived experiences of Farhangian University student-teachers from the outcomes of lesson study: A qualitative study. Research in Social Studies Education, 4(3), 79-104. https://dor.isc.ac/dor/20.1001.1.27832279.1401.4.3.4.4 [In Persian].

Ausubel, D. P. (1968). Educational psychology: A cognitive view. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Campbell, H. A. (2020). Digital religion: Understanding religious practice in new media worlds (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Faramarzian, S., & Ghasemi, M. (1403/2024). Identifying media strategies in strengthening religiosity. Future Research Journal of Islamic Revolution, 5(4), 64-95. https://journals.ihu.ac.ir/article_209585.html [In Persian].

Huda, M., Arif, M., Rahim, M. M. A., & Anshari, M. (2024). Islamic Religious Education Learning Media in the Technology Era: A Systematic Literature Review. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 3(2), 83-103. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v3i2.62

Hosseini, S. M. (1402/2023). Ethics and requirements of teaching theology courses in schools. Journal of Curriculum Research, 3(1), 60-73. https://doi.org/10.48310/jcdr.2023.3294 [In Persian].

Kostruba, N. (2023). Media religiosity as a strategy for resilience and overcoming crisis. Scientific Bulletin of Mukachevo State University Series "Pedagogy and Psychology, 9(2), 78-86. https://doi.org/10.52534/msu-pp2.2023.78

Nejadasadi, M., & Safarzadeh, S. (1402/2023). Designing an optimal virtual learning model based on academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning strategies with the mediation of academic adjustment. Ravish Psychology Journal, 12(3), 107-118. http://frooyesh.ir/article-1-4364-fa.html [In Persian].

Nosrati Hoshi, K., Samidi Boneh, H., Shahin, A., & Nasirvand, M. (1403/2024). A phenomenological study on improving the challenges in teaching elementary science. Journal of Curriculum Research, 4(2), 59-73. https://doi.org/10.48310/jcdr.2025.18750.1146 [In Persian].

Sanabar, A., Ghadampour, E., & Abbasi, M. (1402/2023). The relationship between learner motivation and the acceptance of virtual learning among students: The mediating role of perceived usefulness. Ravish Psychology Journal, 12(6), 49-58. https://frooyesh.ir/article-1-4012-fa.pdf [In Persian].

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.