Digital transformation of education: The legacy of Arab-Muslim pedagogy in the development of modern learning platforms

Abstract

Learners from diverse cultural backgrounds are often marginalized by digital learning platforms, which tend to reflect the pedagogical traditions of the Western world. As a result, this study investigated the extent to which the pedagogical principles of Arab Muslims are reflected in contemporary digital learning platforms. A qualitative content analysis was employed to examine four platforms: Noon Academy, Bayyinah TV, Edraak, and Coursera. The findings revealed that key Arab-Muslim pedagogical principles include ijtihad (critical thinking), shura (collaborative learning), and adab (etiquette), all of which play a vital role in modern IT-based education. Notably, platforms originating from the Arab world emphasized adab and moral engagement, highlighting the importance of cultural context in the design of digital learning environments. These results have significant implications for the development of educational technology, underscoring the necessity of culturally responsive design. The study suggests that Arab-Muslim pedagogy provides valuable models for ethical, learner-centered digital education.