Open Journal Systems

Exploring how generative AI contributes to the motivated engagement and learning production of science-oriented students

Aina P. Gervacio

Article ID: 3194
Vol 9, Issue 11, 2024, Article identifier:

VIEWS - 364 (Abstract) 189 (PDF)

Abstract

Generative AI is transforming the educational landscape by offering new ways for students and educators to engage in personalized, adaptive learning. Unlike traditional tools, generative AI enables students to access a vast repository of information, interact with content in real-time, and generate responses, which collectively support individualized learning pathways. This study explored the role of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, in students’ self-directed learning (SDL) process. College students (n=15) from science-oriented programs were purposively sampled to be interviewed. Findings revealed that students used AI to enhance efficiency in completing tasks, generate content, and engage in deeper learning experiences. Students reported that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, helped break down complex subjects, provided instant feedback, and allowed them to manage learning at their own pace. These features supported autonomy, motivation, and competence, core components of SDL, by enabling students to make independent learning choices and confidently tackle challenging content. Student narratives illustrated how generative AI aided in organizing study material, understanding science topics, and even learning to troubleshoot code, which supported mastery of complex science program skills. The findings also suggested that AI tools contributed to active learning, as students engaged more meaningfully with content, enhancing their analytical and problem-solving abilities. The integration of generative AI in education may shape future pedagogical approaches, enabling educators to promote personalized and adaptive learning environments that support students' intrinsic motivation, SDL, and critical thinking.


Keywords

generative AI; motivation; science education; self-directed learning

Full Text:

PDF



References

1. Chiu, T. K. (2023). The impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on practices, policies and research direction in education: A case of ChatGPT and Midjourney. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-17.

2. Lee, A. V. Y., Tan, S. C., & Teo, C. L. (2023). Designs and practices using generative AI for sustainable student discourse and knowledge creation. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 59.

3. Bolick, A. D., & Da Silva, R. L. (2024). Exploring artificial intelligence tools and their potential impact to instructional design workflows and organizational systems. TechTrends, 68(1), 91-100.

4. Lim, W. M., Gunasekara, A., Pallant, J. L., Pallant, J. I., & Pechenkina, E. (2023). Generative AI and the future of education: Ragnarök or reformation? A paradoxical perspective from management educators. The international journal of management education, 21(2), 100790.

5. Pedersen, I. (2023). The rise of generative AI and enculturating AI writing in postsecondary education. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 6, 1259407.

6. Gumina, S., Dalton, T., & Gerdes, J. (2023). Teaching IT Software Fundamentals: Strategies and Techniques for Inclusion of Large Language Models: Strategies and Techniques for Inclusion of Large Language Models. In Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference on Information Technology Education (pp. 60-65).

7. Haque, M. A. (2022). A Brief analysis of “ChatGPT”–A revolutionary tool designed by OpenAI. EAI endorsed transactions on AI and robotics, 1, e15-e15.

8. Montenegro-Rueda, M., Fernández-Cerero, J., Fernández-Batanero, J. M., & López-Meneses, E. (2023). Impact of the implementation of ChatGPT in education: A systematic review. Computers, 12(8), 153.

9. Almasri, F. (2024). Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning of science: A systematic review of empirical research. Research in Science Education, 54(5), 977-997.

10. Inoferio, H. V., Espartero, M., Asiri, M., Damin, M., & Chavez, J. V. (2024). Coping with math anxiety and lack of confidence through AI-assisted Learning. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(5).

11. Wu, T., He, S., Liu, J., Sun, S., Liu, K., Han, Q. L., & Tang, Y. (2023). A brief overview of ChatGPT: The history, status quo and potential future development. IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, 10(5), 1122-1136.

12. Biswas, S. (2023). Role of ChatGPT in Computer Programming. Mesopotamian Journal of Computer Science, 2023, 9-15.

13. Neumann, M., Rauschenberger, M., & Schön, E. M. (2023, May). “We need to talk about ChatGPT”: The future of AI and higher education. In 2023 IEEE/ACM 5th International Workshop on Software Engineering Education for the Next Generation (SEENG) (pp. 29-32). IEEE.

14. Hwang, G. J., Xie, H., Wah, B. W., & Gašević, D. (2020). Vision, challenges, roles and research issues of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 1, 100001.

15. Ramdurai, B., & Adhithya, P. (2023). The impact, advancements and applications of generative AI. International Journal of Computer Science and Engineering, 10(6), 1-8.

16. Vorm, E. S., & Combs, D. J. (2022). Integrating transparency, trust, and acceptance: The intelligent systems technology acceptance model (ISTAM). International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 38(18-20), 1828-1845.

17. Rani, P., & Agrawal, R. (2021). Investigating Artificial Intelligence Usage for Revolution in E-Learning during COVID-19. In Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Business Management (pp. 171-178). CRC Press.

18. Nair, S. G., Sa’dom, N. Z. M., & Utanes, G. C. (2023). Lecturer-Facilitated Learning vs. Self-Directed Learning. Which Motivates Students Better?—Structural Equation Modelling Approach. OALib, 10(11), 1-17.

19. Jung, Y., & Lee, J. (2018). Learning engagement and persistence in massive open online courses (MOOCS). Computers & Education, 122, 9-22.

20. Sun, W., Hong, J. C., Dong, Y., Huang, Y., & Fu, Q. (2023). Self-directed learning predicts online learning engagement in higher education mediated by perceived value of knowing learning goals. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 32(3), 307-316.

21. Reschly, A. L., & Christenson, S. L. (2012). Jingle, jangle, and conceptual haziness: Evolution and future directions of the engagement construct. In Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 3-19). Boston, MA: Springer US.

22. Aydın, Ö., Karaarslan, E.(2022). OpenAI ChatGPT Generated Literature Review: Digital Twin in Healthcare. In Ö. Aydın (Ed.), Emerging Computer Technologies, 2.

23. Korngiebel, D. M. (2021). Digital Health Care Disparities. Hastings Center Report, 51(1).

24. Pavlik, J. V. (2023). Collaborating with ChatGPT: Considering the implications of generative artificial intelligence for journalism and media education. Journalism & mass communication educator, 78(1), 84-93.

25. Baidoo-Anu, D., & Ansah, L. O. (2023). Education in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the potential benefits of ChatGPT in promoting teaching and learning. Journal of AI, 7(1), 52-62.

26. Abukmeil, M., Ferrari, S., Genovese, A., Piuri, V., & Scotti, F. (2021). A survey of unsupervised generative models for exploratory data analysis and representation learning. Acm computing surveys (csur), 54(5), 1-40.

27. Gui, J., Sun, Z., Wen, Y., Tao, D., & Ye, J. (2021). A review on generative adversarial networks: Algorithms, theory, and applications. IEEE transactions on knowledge and data engineering, 35(4), 3313-3332.

28. Brown, T., Mann, B., Ryder, N., Subbiah, M., Kaplan, J. D., Dhariwal, P., et al. (2020). Language models are few-shot learners. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 33, 1877-1901.

29. Williams, C. (2023). Hype, or the future of learning and teaching? 3 Limits to AI's ability to write student essays.

30. Qadir, J. (2023, May). Engineering education in the era of ChatGPT: Promise and pitfalls of generative AI for education. In 2023 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON) (pp. 1-9). IEEE.

31. Dave, T., Athaluri, S. A., & Singh, S. (2023). ChatGPT in medicine: an overview of its applications, advantages, limitations, future prospects, and ethical considerations. Frontiers in artificial intelligence, 6, 1169595.

32. Terwiesch, C. (2023). Would Chat GPT3 get a Wharton MBA? A prediction based on its performance in the operations management course. Mack Institute for Innovation Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 45.

33. Huang, A. Y., Lu, O. H., & Yang, S. J. (2023). Effects of artificial Intelligence–Enabled personalized recommendations on learners’ learning engagement, motivation, and outcomes in a flipped classroom. Computers & Education, 194, 104684.

34. Humble, N., Boustedt, J., Holmgren, H., Milutinovic, G., Seipel, S., & Östberg, A. S. (2024). Cheaters or ai-enhanced learners: Consequences of chatgpt for programming education. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 22(2), 16-29.

35. Chatterjee, S., & Bhattacharjee, K. K. (2020). Adoption of artificial intelligence in higher education: A quantitative analysis using structural equation modelling. Education and Information Technologies, 25, 3443-3463.

36. Holmes, W., & Anastopoulou, S. (2019, June). What do students at distance universities think about AI?. In Proceedings of the Sixth (2019) ACM Conference on Learning@ Scale (pp. 1-4).

37. Rui, L., Nasri, N. M. & MAHMUD, S. N. D. (2024). The role of self-directed learning in promoting deep learning processes: a systematic literature review. F1000Research, 13, 761.

38. Salleh, U. K. M., Zulnaidi, H., Rahim, S. S. A., Bin Zakaria, A. R., & Hidayat, R. (2019). Roles of self-directed learning and social networking sites in lifelong learning. International Journal of Instruction, 12(4), 167-182.

39. Lai, C., Chen, Q., Wang, Y., & Qi, X. (2024). Individual interest, self‐regulation, and self‐directed language learning with technology beyond the classroom. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(1), 379-397.

40. Al-Ansi, A. M., & Fatmawati, I. (2023). Integration of ICT in higher education during Covid-19 pandemic: a case study. International Journal of Learning and Change, 15(4), 430-442.

41. Namli, N. A., & Aybek, B. (2022). An Investigation of the Effect of Block-Based Programming and Unplugged Coding Activities on Fifth Graders' Computational Thinking Skills, Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance. Contemporary Educational Technology, 14(1).

42. Yilmaz, R., & Yilmaz, F. G. K. (2023). The effect of generative artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool use on students' computational thinking skills, programming self-efficacy and motivation. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 4, 100147.

43. Huang, X., & Qiao, C. (2024). Enhancing computational thinking skills through artificial intelligence education at a STEAM high school. Science & Education, 33(2), 383-403.

44. Li, Z., & Wang, H. (2021). The effectiveness of physical education teaching in college based on Artificial intelligence methods. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 40(2), 3301-3311.

45. Akhtar, F., Khan, H., & Rasheed, M. (2019). The power of positive psychological capital: An Exploratory study. Arabian J Bus Manag Review, 9(387), 2.

46. Swedberg, R. (2020). Exploratory research. The production of knowledge: Enhancing progress in social science, 2(1), 17-41.

47. Hunter, D., McCallum, J., & Howes, D. (2019). Defining exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) research and considering its application to healthcare. Journal of Nursing and Health Care, 4(1).

48. Singh, A. (2021). An introduction to experimental and exploratory research. Available at SSRN 3789360.

49. Chavez, J. V. (2022). Narratives of bilingual parents on the real-life use of English language: Materials for English language teaching curriculum. Arab World English Journals, 13(3).

50. Chavez, J. V., Anuddin, F. O., Mansul, H. H., Hawari, N. A., Irilis, F. B., Umaron, A. A., ... & Albani, S. E. (2024). Analyzing impacts of campus journalism on student’s grammar consciousness and confidence in writing engagements. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(7).

51. Duhaylungsod, A. V., & Chavez, J. V. (2023). ChatGPT and other AI users: Innovative and creative utilitarian value and mindset shift. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 33, 4367-4378.

52. Asika, N. (2004). Research methodology: A process approach. Mukugamu & Brothers Enterprises, Lagos.

53. Rai, N., & Thapa, B. (2015). A study on purposive sampling method in research. Kathmandu: Kathmandu School of Law, 5(1), 8-15.

54. Subedi, K. R. (2021). Determining the Sample in Qualitative Research. Online Submission, 4, 1-13.

55. Chavez, J. V., Adalia, H. G., & Alberto, J. P. (2023). Parental support strategies and motivation in aiding their children learn the English language. In Forum for Linguistic Studies, 5(2), 1541-1541.

56. Campbell, S., Greenwood, M., Prior, S., Shearer, T., Walkem, K., Young, S., ... & Walker, K. (2020). Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples. Journal of research in Nursing, 25(8), 652-661.

57. Alshenqeeti, H. (2014). Interviewing as a data collection method: A critical review. English linguistics research, 3(1), 39-45.

58. Barriball, K. L., & While, A. (1994). Collecting data using a semi-structured interview: a discussion paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing-Institutional Subscription, 19(2), 328-335.

59. Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semi‐structured interview guide. Journal of advanced nursing, 72(12), 2954-2965.

60. Naz, N., Gulab, F., & Aslam, M. (2022). Development of qualitative semi-structured interview guide for case study research. Competitive Social Science Research Journal, 3(2), 42-52.

61. Pope, C., & Mays, N. (Eds.). (2020). Qualitative research in health care (pp. 111-133). Oxford, UK:: Wiley-Blackwell.

62. Bolderston, A. (2012). Conducting a research interview. Journal of medical imaging and radiation sciences, 43(1), 66-76.

63. Seidman, I. (2006). Interviewing as qualitative research: A guide for researchers in education and the social sciences. Teachers College.

64. Ng, C. K., & White, P. (2005). Qualitative research design and approaches in radiography. Radiography, 11(3), 217-225.

65. Elhami, A., & Khoshnevisan, B. (2022). Conducting an Interview in Qualitative Research: The Modus Operandi. Mextesol Journal, 46(1), 1-7.

66. Chavez, J. V., & Ceneciro, C. C. (2023). Discourse analysis on same-sex relationship through the lens of religious and social belief systems. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(1).

67. Luo, L., & Wildemuth, B. M. (2009). Semistructured interviews. Applications of social research methods to questions in information and library science, 232.

68. Barrett, D., & Twycross, A. (2018). Data collection in qualitative research. Evidence-based nursing, 21(3), 63-64.

69. Miller, L. M., & Carpenter, C. L. (2009). Altruistic leadership strategies in coaching: A case study of Jim Tressel of the Ohio State University. Strategies, 22(4), 9-12.

70. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. American Psychological Association. APA Handbook of Research Methods in Psychology, 2, 57-71.

71. Finlay, L. (2021). Thematic analysis: the ‘good’, the ‘bad’ and the ‘ugly’. European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy, 11, 103-116.

72. Langridge, D. (2004). Introduction to research methods and data analysis in psychology. Harlow: Pearson.

73. Terry, G., Hayfield, N., Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2017). Thematic analysis. The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology, 2(17-37), 25.

74. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern‐based qualitative analytic approaches. Counselling and psychotherapy research, 21(1), 37-47.

75. Shaw, R. (2010). Embedding reflexivity within experiential qualitative psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 7(3), 233-243.

76. Jebreen, I. (2012). Using inductive approach as research strategy in requirements engineering. International Journal of Computer and Information Technology, 1(2), 162-173.

77. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101.

78. Kizilcec, R. F. (2024). To advance AI use in education, focus on understanding educators. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 34(1), 12-19.

79. Krittanawong, C., Zhang, H., Wang, Z., Aydar, M., & Kitai, T. (2017). Artificial intelligence in precision cardiovascular medicine. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 69(21), 2657-2664.

80. Onesi-Ozigagun, O., Ololade, Y. J., Eyo-Udo, N. L., & Ogundipe, D. O. (2024). Revolutionizing education through AI: a comprehensive review of enhancing learning experiences. International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences, 6(4), 589-607.

81. Zhou, X., Zhang, J., & Chan, C. (2024). Unveiling students’ experiences and perceptions of Artificial Intelligence usage in higher education. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice.

82. Artemova, I. (2024). Bridging Motivation and AI in Education: An Activity Theory Perspective. Digital Education Review, 45, 59-69.

83. Kasneci, E., Seßler, K., Küchemann, S., Bannert, M., Dementieva, D., Fischer, F., ... & Kasneci, G. (2023). ChatGPT for good? On opportunities and challenges of large language models for education. Learning and individual differences, 103, 102274.

84. Nazaretsky, T., Ariely, M., Cukurova, M., & Alexandron, G. (2022). Teachers' trust in AI‐powered educational technology and a professional development program to improve it. British journal of educational technology, 53(4), 914-931.

85. Wong, L. H., Chan, T. W., Chen, W., Looi, C. K., Chen, Z. H., Liao, C. C., ... & Wong, S. L. (2020). IDC theory: interest and the interest loop. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 15, 1-16.

86. Yurt, E., & Kasarci, I. (2024). A Questionnaire of Artificial Intelligence Use Motives: A contribution to investigating the connection between AI and motivation. International Journal of Technology in Education, 7(2).

87. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (Eds.). (2004). Handbook of self-determination research. University Rochester Press.

88. Howard, J. L., Bureau, J. S., Guay, F., Chong, J. X., & Ryan, R. M. (2021). Student motivation and associated outcomes: A meta-analysis from self-determination theory. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(6), 1300-1323.

89. Robinson, J. D., & Persky, A. M. (2020). Developing self-directed learners. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 84(3), 847512.

90. Kruger, D. (2020). Adaptive learning technology to enhance self-directed learning. Self-directed multi-modal learning in higher education (NWU self-directed learning series), 5, 93-116.

91. Setlhodi, I. I. (2019). The value of pacing in promoting self-directed learning. In Self-directed learning strategies in adult educational contexts (pp. 1-22). IGI Global.

92. Lee, D. C., & Chang, C. Y. (2024). Evaluating self-directed learning competencies in digital learning environments: A meta-analysis. Education and Information Technologies, 1-22.

93. Hartikainen, S., Rintala, H., Pylväs, L., & Nokelainen, P. (2019). The concept of active learning and the measurement of learning outcomes: A review of research in engineering higher education. Education Sciences, 9(4), 276.

94. Pahi, K., Hawlader, S., Hicks, E., Zaman, A., & Phan, V. (2024). Enhancing active learning through collaboration between human teachers and generative AI. Computers and Education Open, 6, 100183.

95. Boguslawski, S., Deer, R., & Dawson, M. G. (2024). Programming education and learner motivation in the age of generative AI: student and educator perspectives. Information and Learning Sciences.

96. Voss, R., & Rickards, A. (2016). Promoting students’ self-directed learning ability through teaching mathematics for social justice. Jornal of Education and Practice, 7(26), 77-82.


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i11.3194
(364 Abstract Views, 189 PDF Downloads)

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2024 Aina P. Gervacio

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.