AI as a Pedagogical Partner: A Value-Based Framework for Digital Ethics in Civic Education

Abstract

The digital revolution has introduced important ethical challenges for younger generations, including the spread of hoaxes, plagiarism, and cyberbullying. This research examines the integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a pedagogical partner in civic education to strengthen digital ethics grounded in Pancasila as Indonesia’s local wisdom.   Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires administered to 332 senior and vocational high school students, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 10 civic education teachers in Central Java Province, and in-depth interviews with experts in Civic and Character Education. The study findings reveal that, despite students' active use of AI, their critical thinking skills and digital ethics require further development. Teachers expressed an urgent need for adaptive, context-specific learning resources. Pancasila values provide a relevant and robust philosophical foundation for developing a digital ethics framework. Based on these findings, the study proposes an innovative framework that positions AI chatbots not merely as tools but as simulative and reflective learning partners. The framework seeks to transform learning from simple knowledge transmission to value-oriented education, enabling teachers to act as facilitators who guide students in actualising Pancasila values within the digital space.