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This research explores the integration of ubiquitous learning with cultural storytelling as a means to foster moral development and leadership qualities in Indonesian primary school learners. Drawing inspiration from the epithets associated with Lord Shiva, which symbolise empathy, accountability, and collaborative spirit, the study adapts these traditional motifs into child-appropriate narratives aimed at nurturing ethical reasoning and behavioural growth. Employing an Exploration and Development (E&D) approach, the research incorporates qualitative assessments, digital instructional design, and a comprehensive review of existing literature. The outcome is an educational resource titled Stories of Shiva: Pathways to Leadership, a mobile-based storytelling application featuring interactive plots, reflective prompts, and engaging activities designed to extend moral learning beyond conventional classroom settings. Findings, supported by preand post-intervention assessments and qualitative feedback from educators, indicate notable improvements in pupils empathy, proactive behaviour, and sense of social responsibility. Learners were observed applying the instilled values within both academic and domestic spheres and demonstrated a strong emotional and cognitive connection with the story characters. Analytical data from the platform further validated sustained and active engagement. The study highlights the potential for scaling culturally grounded storytelling as a component of moral instruction. By integrating traditional narrative wisdom with contemporary digital tools, it introduces an effective, locally resonant, and learner-centred model of ubiquitous education, aimed at cultivating ethically minded, compassionate, and globally aware future leaders while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Keywords: Pervasive Education; Cultural Narratives; Digital Storytelling; Moral Education; Leadership Development; Primary School.
Introduction
Background of the Study
Education is broadly acknowledged as a foundational element for national advancement and the development of human capital. In Indonesia-a nation enriched by extensive cultural plurality and religious traditions-education serves not only as a medium for intellectual development but also as an essential channel for fostering moral integrity, civic consciousness, and leadership potential from early childhood (Knoblauch, 2023; Ozdemir et al., 2023b). These ethical and characterforming dimensions are particularly vital during the primary education phase, when children begin to establish their moral compass, personal identity, and social sensitivity (Indriani & Suteja, 2023).
Contemporary global perspectives on early education have shifted to highlight the importance of not only academic achievement but also the emotional and moral development of learners. This has contributed to the rise of pervasive education-an educational paradigm that...