<![CDATA[Purpose:This study aims to develop and evaluate the validity, Purpose: To address low critical digital ethics amidst pervasive smartphone usage, this study developed, implemented, and evaluated a Project-Based Civic Learning module integrated with Digital Citizenship (PBCL-DC) for Phase D Pancasila Education in secondary schools. Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods Research and Development (R&D) design based on Dick and Carey’s ten-step model, the intervention was tested on 44 Grade VIII students (23 experimental, 21 control) at SMPIT Baiturrahman, Bekasi. Data were collected via expert validation forms, usability questionnaires, and pre/post-tests, and analyzed using N-gain calculations and t-tests. Findings: Expert validation averaged 91.81% (Very Feasible), while practicality ratings reached 94.12% (teacher) and 87.50% (students). The experimental group achieved significantly higher digital character improvement (pre-test: 36.90, post-test: 88.00; N-gain = 0.83) compared to the control group (pre-test: 40.70, post-test: 76.20; N-gain = 0.60; ). Practical implications: The module equips secondary educators with a scaffolded, six-stage pedagogical syntax incorporating interactive media (QR codes and digital campaign creation) to cultivate media ethics, anti-hoax discernment, and active civic participation. Originality/value: This research establishes a novel framework uniting systematic instructional design with project-based civic learning, providing an empirically validated model for adolescent digital character formation.]]>
