Artificial intelligence as a learning assistant: A student-centered learning study

Authors

  • Bih Ni Lee Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
  • Jhon Bie Zhang Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
  • Thao Wang Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24667/jcen.v1i4.96

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, learning assistant, ; student-centered learning, educational technology, higher education

Abstract

This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a learning assistant in promoting student-centered learning within educational settings. Using a mixed-method approach, the research investigates how AI-based tools support personalized learning, enhance student engagement, and foster autonomy in the learning process. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys and learning performance measures to evaluate students’ perceptions, usage patterns, and learning outcomes, whereas qualitative data derived from interviews and open-ended responses provided deeper insights into students’ experiences and challenges when interacting with AI learning assistants. The findings indicate that AI learning assistants positively contribute to individualized learning support, timely feedback, and active learner participation, although issues related to overreliance, ethical concerns, and digital readiness remain. The study highlights the potential of AI as an effective facilitator of student-centered learning when thoughtfully integrated into instructional design and pedagogical practices.

References

Asgar, D. (2025). Analysing the effectiveness of different AI-based tutoring systems and their impact on education across global contexts: A literature review. (2025). NHSJS. https://nhsjs.com/2025/analysing-the-effectiveness-of-different-ai-based-tutoring- systems-and-their-impact-on-education-across-global-contexts-a-literature-review

Essel, N., Miller, A., & Richardson, J. (2024). Exploring the effectiveness of AI course assistants on the student learning experience. Open Praxis, 16(4), 627–644. https://openpraxis.org/articles/10.55982/openpraxis.16.4.719

Holstein, K., McLaren, B. M., & Aleven, V. (2019). Intelligent tutoring systems. In International Handbook of the Learning Sciences (2nd ed.). https://www.researchcorridor.org/index.php/aiej/article/view/258 Research Corridor

Liu, X., & Zhong, B. (2025). Integrating generative artificial intelligence into student learning. Educational Research Review, 49(100741), pp. 1-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2025.100741

Labadze, L., Grigolia, M., & Machaidze, L. (2023). Role of AI chatbots in education: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20, Article 56.

https://educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-023-00426-1

Li, M., An, Z., & Ren, M. (2020). Study on student-centered artificial intelligence online teaching

+ home learning model during the COVID-19 epidemic. Inteligencia Artificial, 23(66), 51–

65. https://journal.iberamia.org/index.php/intartif/article/view/460

Liu, V., Latif, E., and Zhai, X. (2025). Advancing education through tutoring systems: A systematic literature review. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.09748

Massaty, M. H., Fahrurozi, S. K., & Budiyanto, C. W. (2025). The role of AI in fostering computational thinking and self-efficacy in educational settings: A systematic review. Indonesian Journal of Informatics Education, 89596.

https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/ijie/article/view/89596

Musa, S., Suherman, A. M., Sujarwo, S., & Nurhayati, S. (2024). Continuous professional growth: A study of educators' commitment to lifelong learning. Cakrawala Pendidikan: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 43(2), 502-512. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v43i2.66654

Nyaaba, M., Shi, L., Nabang, M., Zhai, X., Kyeremeh, P., Ayoberd, S. A., & Akanzire, B. N. (2024). Generative AI as a learning buddy and teaching assistant: Pre-service teachers’ uses and attitudes. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.11983

Özçelik, Punar N., & Ekşi, Yangın G. (2024). Cultivating writing skills: The role of ChatGPT as a learning assistant: A case study. Smart Learning Environments, 11(10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00296-8

Razmerita, L. (2025). Human-AI collaboration: A student-centered perspective of Generative AI use in higher education. ECEL Proceedings. https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/ecel/article/download/3008/2695/10852 Academic Conferences Sajja, R., Sermet, Y., Fodale, B., & Demir, I. (2025). Evaluating AI-powered learning assistants in engineering higher education. Computers and Society. DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2506.05699

Sitinjak, C., Ober, J., & Sakiewicz, P. (2025). Unlocking the potential: Transformative applications of generative AI in East Kalimantan's educational landscape. Cakrawala Pendidikan: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 44(3), pp. 600-613. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v44i3.70169

Elnaffar, S., Rashidi, F., & Abualkishik, A. Z., (2026). Teaching with AI: A systematic review of chatbots, generative tools, and tutoring systems in programming education. International Journal of Learning, Teaching, and Educational Research, 25(1), pp. 1-28, DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.1.1

U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Artificial intelligence and the future of teaching and learning. U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/ai-report/ai-report.pdf

Wang, S., Wang, F., Zhu, Z., Wang, J., Tran, T., & Du, Z., (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: A systematic literature review. Expert Systems with Applications, 252(124167). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124167

Winantaka, B., Efendi, A., & Putro, N. H. P. S. (2025). Exploring flipped classroom for business English: Preliminary insights from student voices and reflections. Cakrawala Pendidikan: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 44(3), pp.730-739. DOI https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v44i3.65140

Downloads

Published

2026-10-31

How to Cite

Bih Ni Lee, Jhon Bie Zhang, & Thao Wang. (2026). Artificial intelligence as a learning assistant: A student-centered learning study. Journal of Comparative Education Nexus, 1(4), 190–199. https://doi.org/10.24667/jcen.v1i4.96

Similar Articles

1 2 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.