Navigating AI Ethics: Integrating Character Education and Academic Integrity in Student Learning

Abstract

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education has created new challenges related to academic integrity, declining reading interest, and excessive dependence on instant digital solutions among students. These issues were observed among students of SMK Nurul Abror Al Robbaniyin, where the ease of accessing AI-generated content often reduced students’ motivation to engage with academic literature and critical learning processes. This community service program aimed to strengthen students’ ethical awareness in utilizing AI technologies by integrating character education with digital literacy. The program was implemented using a service learning approach combined with participatory action research through a series of workshops, ethical discussions, and guided learning activities focusing on responsible AI usage and critical reading practices. The results of the program indicated a significant improvement in students’ understanding of academic integrity principles, increased awareness of ethical AI usage, and renewed engagement with library resources as part of hybrid research practices. Students demonstrated better ability to differentiate between ethical AI assistance and academic dishonesty while maintaining responsible learning behavior. This initiative contributes to strengthening ethical digital literacy and provides a practical model for integrating character education with AI literacy to support sustainable learning and responsible technology use in vocational education environments