How AI-enhanced learning activities contribute to digital literacy in pre-service pre-school teachers
TL;DR
It is suggested that integrating AI enhanced learning activities into pre-service teacher education may support the development of student teachers' digital literacy and better prepare them to integrate AI meaningfully in early childhood settings.
Abstract
Introduction This study examined the contribution of AI enhanced learning activities to the digital literacy of preservice early childhood education student teachers. Methods A quantitative post-intervention explanatory design was used involving 212 Early Childhood Education students at a university in Jiangxi Province, China, who participated in AI-enhanced learning activities for one semester. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and SEMPLS. Results Students demonstrated a moderate level of digital literacy, with information usage and organization showing the highest scores, while metacognition and problem-solving were relatively lower. Engagement in AI-enhanced learning activities was positively and significantly related to all dimensions of digital literacy. SEM results further showed that AI-enhanced learning activities made a significant positive contribution to overall digital literacy. Discussion These findings suggest that integrating AI enhanced learning activities into pre-service teacher education may support the development of student teachers' digital literacy and better prepare them to integrate AI meaningfully in early childhood settings.