| Title: |
The Role of Generative AI in Enhancing or Undermining Autonomous Learning in Higher Education |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Rizwan Shoukat; Khalida Parveen; Ashraf Iqbal; Muhammad Shafiq; Huang Qibing |
| Source: |
Journal of Educators Online. 2026 23(1). |
| Availability: |
Journal of Educators Online. Grand Canyon University, 23300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. e-mail: CIRT@gcu.edu. Web site: https://www.thejeo.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
14 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Higher Education; Artificial Intelligence; Technology Uses in Education; Personal Autonomy; Student Attitudes; Independent Study; Barriers; Foreign Countries; Universities; Undergraduate Students; Masters Programs; Doctoral Students; Graduate Students |
| Geographic Terms: |
Pakistan |
| ISSN: |
1547-500X |
| Abstract: |
This paper analyses the effect of generative AI on the improvement or deterioration of autonomous learning in higher education. Given that AI tools, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, are increasingly being incorporated into academic practices, it is vital to understand their effects on student autonomy. The application of SEM and CFA can help to better understand the connections between AI use, student attitude, and dependency. This study had a sample size of 100 higher education students with demographic variability (50% men and 50% women; between the ages of 19 and 32; 48% undergraduate, 32% master's, and 20% PhD students). Results show that intensive AI use develops students' autonomy perceptions (path coefficient = 0.6-0.7, p < 0.05) but negatively relates to autonomy if dependency on AI is overused (path coefficient = -0.5, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between AI usage and attitudes (r = 0.45), but a moderate correlation with dependency (r = 0.40), which brings into question overdependence. The findings, therefore, present a multifaceted role for generative AI in higher education that calls for a balanced usage and guidance at the institutional level. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1499290 |
| Database: |
ERIC |