THE IMPACT OF AI-POWERED EDUCATIONAL TOOLS ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING OUTCOMES AT HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL

Abstract

This study examines the impact of AI-powered educational tools on student engagement and learning outcomes at the higher education level. Employing a quantitative survey research design, the study involves a sample of 500 university students drawn from five universities in Lahore. The primary objective is to assess how AI-driven educational technologies influence students' involvement in academic activities and their subsequent academic performance. To collect data, a structured questionnaire was developed and administered. The questionnaire included sections on demographics, usage of AI-powered educational tools, levels of student engagement, and perceived learning outcomes. The questions were designed on a Likert scale to gauge the intensity of students' experiences and perceptions. The reliability and validity of the instrument were ensured through a pilot study involving 50 students, and necessary adjustments were made based on the feedback. The survey responses were analyzed using statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between the use of AI-powered educational tools and student engagement. Students reported that AI tools, such as adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and automated feedback mechanisms, enhanced their motivation, participation, and interaction with course content. Moreover, the results suggest that increased engagement through AI tools positively affects learning outcomes. Students who frequently used AI-powered educational resources demonstrated better academic performance, as evidenced by higher grades and improved critical thinking skills. The study concludes that AI-powered educational tools hold substantial potential to transform higher education by fostering active learning environments and enhancing educational outcomes. These findings have important implications for educators, policymakers, and technology developers. Integrating AI technologies in educational settings can be a strategic move to address challenges related to student disengagement and suboptimal academic performance. Future research could expand the scope by exploring the long-term effects of AI tools on various dimensions of learning and by including a more diverse sample.