Reconstruction of Islamic Boarding School Education for Generation Z in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Conceptual Study of Contemporary Islamic Education

Abstract

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed education, including Islamic boarding school-based education (pesantren). This transformation is increasingly complex because current learners are predominantly Generation Z, who have grown up in digital environments and display distinctive ways of accessing, processing, and interacting with knowledge. This study analyzes the relevance of pesantren educational values for Generation Z in the AI era and formulates a reconstruction of pesantren education that responds to contemporary demands. Using a qualitative approach through library research and conceptual analysis, data were drawn from scientific journal articles, books, proceedings, and academic documents related to pesantren education, Generation Z, digital transformation, and AI. The analysis involved identification, selection, classification, comparison, interpretation, synthesis, and conceptual construction. The findings show that values such as adab, morality, spirituality, trustworthiness, independence, discipline, role modeling, and respect for educators remain relevant for Generation Z. Pesantren education should therefore be reconstructed through three processes: maintaining fundamental values, adapting educational approaches to Generation Z characteristics, and developing new competencies, including AI literacy, critical thinking, information verification, creativity, problem-solving, and technology ethics. This study proposes the Maintain–Adapt–Develop model as a conceptual framework for reconstructing pesantren education in the AI era without losing its distinctive educational identity.