Perceptions of and Behavioral Intentions towards Learning Artificial Intelligence in Primary School Students

Ching Sing Chai ； Pei-Yi Lin ； Morris Siu-Yung Jong ； Yun Dai ； Thomas K. F. Chiu ； Jianjun Qin

《Educational Technology & Society》 24卷3期 (2021/07) Pp. 89-101

https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202107_24(3).0007

摘要

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly popular, and educators are paying increasing attention to it. For students, learning AI helps them better cope with emerging societal, technological, and environmental challenges. This theory of planned behavior (TPB)-based study developed a survey questionnaire to measure behavioral intention to learn AI (n = 682) among primary school students. The questionnaire was administered online, and it measured responses to five TPB factors. The five factors were (1) self-efficacy in learning AI, (2) AI readiness, (3) perceptions of the use of AI for social good, (4) AI literacy, and (5) behavioral intention. Exploratory factor analysis and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis were used to validate this five-factor survey. Both analyses indicated satisfactory construct validity. A structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to elucidate the factors' influence on intention to learn AI. According to the SEM, all factors could predict intention to learn AI, whether directly or indirectly. This study provides new insights for researchers and instructors who are promoting AI education in schools.

關鍵字

Artificial intelligence ； Self-efficacy ； Readiness ； Social good ； Literacy ； Behavioral intention