Integration of Digital Media in Religious Learning and Elementary School Students’ Religious Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines digital media integration in religious learning and its association with elementary school students’ religious behavior in Berastagi District, Karo Regency, Indonesia. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires involving 672 sixth-grade students, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation involving 26 principals and 26 religious teachers. Quantitative analysis used descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and hypothesis testing; qualitative findings were analyzed thematically. The regression model was Y = 41.191 + 1.277X, with t = 13.507, p < .001, and R² = .214, indicating that digital media integration accounted for 21.4% of the variance in religious behavior scores. Religious behavior was moderate overall, while the character education indicators were rated high. Qualitative findings identified challenges involving infrastructure, teacher digital competencies, access to devices, and pedagogical guidance. Reflective discussion, interactive content, gamification, teacher development, and parent–school collaboration were identified as potential educational strategies. These findings support a positive association between digital media integration and religious behavior, while emphasizing that the observational design does not establish causality.