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Looking beyond the hype: understanding the effects of AI on learning

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential for enhancing student learning. This reflection critically examines the promises and limitations of AI for cognitive learning processes and outcomes, drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical insights from research on AI-enhanced education and digital learning technologies. We critically discuss current publication trends in research on AI-enhanced learning and rather than assuming inherent benefits, we emphasize the role of instructional implementation and the need for systematic investigations that build on insights from existing research on the role of technology in instructional effectiveness. Building on this foundation, we introduce the ISAR model, which differentiates four types of AI effects on learning compared to learning conditions without AI, namely inversion, substitution, augmentation, and redefinition. Specifically, AI can substitute existing instructional approaches while maintaining equivalent instructionalArtificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential for enhancing student learning. This reflection critically examines the promises and limitations of AI for cognitive learning processes and outcomes, drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical insights from research on AI-enhanced education and digital learning technologies. We critically discuss current publication trends in research on AI-enhanced learning and rather than assuming inherent benefits, we emphasize the role of instructional implementation and the need for systematic investigations that build on insights from existing research on the role of technology in instructional effectiveness. Building on this foundation, we introduce the ISAR model, which differentiates four types of AI effects on learning compared to learning conditions without AI, namely inversion, substitution, augmentation, and redefinition. Specifically, AI can substitute existing instructional approaches while maintaining equivalent instructional functionality, augment instruction by providing additional cognitive learning support, or redefine tasks to foster deep learning processes. However, the implementation of AI must avoid potential inversion effects, such as over-reliance leading to reduced cognitive engagement. Additionally, successful AI integration depends on moderating factors, including students’ AI literacy and educators’ technological and pedagogical skills. Our discussion underscores the need for a systematic and evidence-based approach to AI in education, advocating for rigorous research and informed adoption to maximize its potential while mitigating possible risks.show moreshow less

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Metadaten
Author:Elisabeth BauerORCiDGND, Samuel Greiff, Arthur C. Graesser, Katharina Scheiter, Michael SailerORCiDGND
URN:urn:nbn:de:bvb:384-opus4-1215894
Frontdoor URLhttps://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/121589
ISSN:1040-726XOPAC
Parent Title (English):Educational Psychology Review
Publisher:Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Type:Article
Language:English
Year of first Publication:2025
Publishing Institution:Universität Augsburg
Release Date:2025/04/28
Volume:37
Issue:2
First Page:45
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10020-8
Institutes:Philosophisch-Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät
Philosophisch-Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät / Empirische Bildungsforschung
Philosophisch-Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät / Empirische Bildungsforschung / Lehrstuhl für Learning Analytics and Educational Data Mining
Dewey Decimal Classification:3 Sozialwissenschaften / 37 Bildung und Erziehung / 370 Bildung und Erziehung
Licence (German):CC-BY 4.0: Creative Commons: Namensnennung (mit Print on Demand)