The Explanation of Spiritual Education for Children (S4C) with an Emphasis on the Theoretical Foundations of Fundamental Transformation in the Formal Public Education System of Iran and Examining E-learning Opportunities and Challenges for it

The purpose of this study is to explain the concept of spiritual education for children (S4C) and its principles with an emphasis on the Theoretical Foundations of Fundamental Transformation in the Formal Public Education System of Iran, and exploring the opportunities and challenges of e-learning for it.

This is a qualitative research, and its statistical population consists of the document of Theoretical Foundations of Fundamental Transformation and all available texts and resources related to the concept of spirituality and spiritual education for children as well as e-learning. The statistical sample was selected through purposive means. Then, using the method of transcendental analysis, the concept of children's spiritual education according to the Theoretical Foundations of Fundamental Transformation was explained, and using Frankena’s deductive model, three important principles of children's spiritual education related to its cognitive aspect were inferred and explained, and then, using descriptive-analytical method, the opportunities and challenges of e-learning in achieving the mentioned principles were discussed.

The results of the analysis showed that the spiritual education for children (S4C) focuses on the knowledge about Allah as the source of spirituality, nurturing the child's spirit and inclinations towards Allah, and the realization of a ‘Purified life’ in all aspects of the child's life. It was also clarified that the three important principles of children's spiritual education in its cognitive aspect are: the principle of cultivating correct thoughts and beliefs about Allah as the source of spirituality; developing the child's perspective on the beliefs and spiritual possibilities of his/ her religion and other traditions and religions; fostering the children's critical thinking. Furthermore, developing children’s spiritual literacy through open sources, access to reference human resources with the least restrictions, and creating spiritual communities are some of the opportunities of e-learning for S4C. Also, empowerment of teachers and management of children's educational process, their need to have the necessary attitudes and communication skills in e-learning, the monitoring and guiding learners' participation, and understanding distance learning from children’s viewpoint, and evaluating and guiding children towards self-direction are some of the major challenges of e-learning for S4C.

Children should acquire the necessary spiritual literacy in the field of spiritual education based on the Theoretical Foundations of Fundamental Transformation so that they can act wisely and consciously about their spiritual orientation. In this regard, e-learning opportunities can be used to overcome its limitations and challenges for the spiritual education of children.