Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in online learning environments has transformed the way students engage with educational content, offering personalised learning experiences, instant feedback, and scalable support. This study investigates the role of AI-driven chatbots in the...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Education Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/6/674 |
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| author | Irina Engeness Magnus Nohr Trine Fossland |
| author_facet | Irina Engeness Magnus Nohr Trine Fossland |
| author_sort | Irina Engeness |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in online learning environments has transformed the way students engage with educational content, offering personalised learning experiences, instant feedback, and scalable support. This study investigates the role of AI-driven chatbots in the Pedagogical Information and Communication Technology (ICTPED) Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), a professional development course aimed at enhancing teachers’ Professional Digital Competence (PDC). The study pursues two connected aims: (1) to examine how chatbots support content comprehension, self-regulated learning, and engagement among pre- and in-service teachers, and (2) to explore, through a cultural-historical perspective, how chatbot use contributes to the development of students’ digital agency. Based on data from 46 students, collected through structured questionnaires and follow-up interviews, the findings show that chatbots functioned as interactive learning partners, helping students clarify complex concepts, generate learning resources, and engage in reflection—thereby supporting their PDC. At the same time, chatbot interactions mediated learners’ development of digital agency, enabling them to critically interact with digital tools and navigate online learning environments effectively. However, challenges such as over-reliance on AI-generated responses, inclusivity issues, and concerns regarding content accuracy were also identified. The results underscore the need for improved chatbot design, pedagogical scaffolding, and ethical considerations in AI-assisted learning. Future research should explore the long-term impact of chatbots on students’ learning and the implications of AI-driven tools for digital agency development in online education. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d16e4c92162e4d3cb4276b89e2b6355f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2227-7102 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Education Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-d16e4c92162e4d3cb4276b89e2b6355f2025-08-20T03:24:34ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022025-05-0115667410.3390/educsci15060674Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency DevelopmentIrina Engeness0Magnus Nohr1Trine Fossland2Department of Languages, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages, Østfold University College, 1757 Halden, NorwayDepartment of Pedagogy, ICT, and Learning, Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages, Østfold University College, 1757 Halden, NorwayCentre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, NorwayThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in online learning environments has transformed the way students engage with educational content, offering personalised learning experiences, instant feedback, and scalable support. This study investigates the role of AI-driven chatbots in the Pedagogical Information and Communication Technology (ICTPED) Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), a professional development course aimed at enhancing teachers’ Professional Digital Competence (PDC). The study pursues two connected aims: (1) to examine how chatbots support content comprehension, self-regulated learning, and engagement among pre- and in-service teachers, and (2) to explore, through a cultural-historical perspective, how chatbot use contributes to the development of students’ digital agency. Based on data from 46 students, collected through structured questionnaires and follow-up interviews, the findings show that chatbots functioned as interactive learning partners, helping students clarify complex concepts, generate learning resources, and engage in reflection—thereby supporting their PDC. At the same time, chatbot interactions mediated learners’ development of digital agency, enabling them to critically interact with digital tools and navigate online learning environments effectively. However, challenges such as over-reliance on AI-generated responses, inclusivity issues, and concerns regarding content accuracy were also identified. The results underscore the need for improved chatbot design, pedagogical scaffolding, and ethical considerations in AI-assisted learning. Future research should explore the long-term impact of chatbots on students’ learning and the implications of AI-driven tools for digital agency development in online education.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/6/674AI chatbotsonline learningdigital agencyprofessional digital competenceMOOCsteacher education |
| spellingShingle | Irina Engeness Magnus Nohr Trine Fossland Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development Education Sciences AI chatbots online learning digital agency professional digital competence MOOCs teacher education |
| title | Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development |
| title_full | Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development |
| title_fullStr | Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development |
| title_full_unstemmed | Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development |
| title_short | Investigating AI Chatbots’ Role in Online Learning and Digital Agency Development |
| title_sort | investigating ai chatbots role in online learning and digital agency development |
| topic | AI chatbots online learning digital agency professional digital competence MOOCs teacher education |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/6/674 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT irinaengeness investigatingaichatbotsroleinonlinelearninganddigitalagencydevelopment AT magnusnohr investigatingaichatbotsroleinonlinelearninganddigitalagencydevelopment AT trinefossland investigatingaichatbotsroleinonlinelearninganddigitalagencydevelopment |