A Study on Responsible AI Awareness and Learning Engagement in Higher Education: The Mediating Roles of Trust in AI, AI Literacy, AI Usage Self-Efficacy, and Human–AI Collaboration

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining higher education through its support of personalized learning, intelligent tutoring, and collaboration. Yet, responsible utilization of AI is dependent on ethical awareness among the students, AI competencies, and self-efficacy towards the utilization of such technologies. This study analyzes the impact of Responsible AI Awareness on Learning Engagement via Trust in AI, AI Literacy, AI Usage Self-Efficacy, and Human–AI Collaboration in a sequential manner. A quantitative research approach was adopted in this study, with data collected from 431 postgraduate students through a structured survey instrument. The measurement and structural models of the research model were tested through SmartPLS 4 for reliability, validity, direct, and mediation effects using bootstrapping. The results reveal that Responsible AI Awareness positively influences Trust in AI and AI Literacy, which further positively affects AI Usage Self-Efficacy and Human–AI Collaboration resulting in enhanced Learning Engagement.