Development and initial validation of an IQRA digital pedagogy model integrating Pangadereng values through electronic comics for digital literacy in junior high school social studies

Educational developments in the twenty-first century require learning models that integrate local culture with digital competencies. This study aims to develop and conduct an initial validation of the IQRA (Identification, Questioning, Reasoning, Application) Digital Pedagogy Model, integrating Pangadereng values through E-comics in social studies learning. The study used the Borg & Gall Research and Development model approach, adapted to the design and initial validation stages, the study involved 14 social studies teachers and 345 seventh-grade of junior high school students in Makassar, Indonesia. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and expert validation. The results show that Ade’ (4.30) and Sara’ (4.40) values were more dominant than Wari’ (4.00), while students’ digital literacy remained moderate (59%) with low digital ethics (37%). The IQRA-E-Comic model was deemed valid by expert validators (average score = 4.30). The findings indicate that the model provides a feasible and culturally grounded framework for social studies learning and culturally responsive digital pedagogy, with potential to support students’ digital literacy in future implementation studies. However, since this study was limited to the design and expert validation stages, further implementation and effectiveness studies are required to examine its impact on students’ digital literacy outcomes.