INTERACTIVE MOOC AS AN INNOVATION IN SELF-LEARNING OF HINDU RELIGION EDUCATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Abstract

Digital transformation has brought significant changes in educational practices, including Hindu Religious Education (HRE). With the development of technology, digital-based learning, such as interactive Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), has become a strategic alternative to support flexible and affordable self-directed learning. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of using interactive MOOCs in enhancing the quality of self-directed HRE learning in the digital era from cognitive, affective, and spiritual perspectives. The approach used is Mixed Methods, which combines quantitative and qualitative data to obtain a comprehensive understanding of learning dynamics. The research subjects consist of students from Universitas Terbuka taking the MOOC-based PAH course. The instruments used include questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies of learning outcomes. The survey’s focus includes understanding Hindu teachings through three basic frameworks consisting of Tatwa, Susila, and Acara and the extent to which MOOC-based learning can foster spiritual reflection, critical thinking skills, and independent learning. Initial results show that interactive MOOCs positively increase learning motivation, conceptual understanding, and active student engagement. Interactive elements such as discussion forums, contextual videos, and reflective quizzes have proven effective in building a bridge between teaching texts and everyday life practices. However, challenges remain, such as limited access to technology, lack of adaptation of materials based on local Hindu cultural contexts, and some participants’ low digital literacy skills. This research recommends developing a more spiritual-contextual, collaborative, and value-based model of MOOC PAH rooted in living Hindu values. Thus, this learning innovation serves as a technological solution and a medium for religious and character transformation for the younger Hindu generation in an increasingly dynamic distance learning ecosystem