<![CDATA[Islamic character education faces dual challenges: declining moral values among students and conventional teaching methods inadequate for developing higher-order thinking skills. This study examines the implementation of a smart learning environment (SLE) model to enhance metacognitive understanding in Aqidah Akhlak (Islamic Creed and Ethics) instruction among eighth-grade students at MTs Salafiyah Merakurak. Employing a mixed-methods action research design, involved 16 eighth-grade students divided into two groups. Data collection utilized classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and learning documentation. The SLE model integrated Google Classroom, interactive video content, WhatsApp Group discussions, and Google Forms assessments to create a technology-enhanced learning ecosystem. Findings revealed substantial improvements in students' metacognitive capacities: planning skills increased from 25% to 75%, monitoring abilities rose from 31% to 81%, and evaluation competencies grew from 19% to 69%. Students demonstrated enhanced learning autonomy, active participation in collaborative discussions, and improved self-reflection on content comprehension. The SLE approach successfully fostered engaging learning experiences while facilitating deeper internalization of Islamic ethical values. However, implementation encountered constraints including limited technological infrastructure and varied digital literacy levels among students. This research underscores the critical need for developing teachers' digital competencies and strengthening madrasah technological infrastructure to optimize technology-integrated Islamic education.]]>
