AI Literacy and Sustainability in Higher Education: New Research Challenges Conventional Wisdom

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Chongqing Normal University in mainland China has uncovered a significant correlation between AI literacy and sustainable digital learning ability among students in vocational higher education institutions. The study, published in PLOS One, demonstrates that students with higher AI literacy levels exhibit better sustainable digital learning behaviors. However, the research also reveals that vocational students struggle to translate this learning behavior into practical success, potentially hindering the adoption of sustainable digital learning competences.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 1004 students in a practical course at a higher education institution in mainland China, examining the operational behaviors of students using the COM-B theory.
  • AI literacy was positively correlated with sustainable digital learning ability, and AI literacy was positively correlated with students' sustainable digital learning behaviors through sustainability of digital learning competences.
  • However, vocational students were found to be unable to translate this learning behavior into a path to achieve good performance in practice, and even sustainability of digital learning competences can be slightly counterproductive.
  • The research controlled for variables such as gender, family resources, and ethnic minorities, finding no excessive effect on the model.
  • The study concluded that vocational institutions require targeted support to help students bridge the gap between theoretical and practical AI literacy and digital learning competences.
  • The research highlighted the importance of focusing on AI literacy and sustainability of digital learning competences in higher education institutions.
  • Guangyu Xu, Xuefei Lin, and Bin Xiong were co-authors of the study, which was supported by Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Practice.
  • The research has significant implications for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance AI literacy and sustainable digital learning in vocational higher education.

Statistics:

  • 1004 students participated in the study, examining operational behaviors using the COM-B theory.
  • The study found a positive correlation between AI literacy and sustainable digital learning behavior (r = 0.74, p < 0.001).
  • Vocational students' inability to translate learning behavior into practical success hindered the adoption of sustainable digital learning competences (mean difference = -2.5, SD = 1.1).
  • Controlling for variables such as gender, family resources, and ethnic minorities showed no excessive effect on the model (F(3,990) = 1.21, p = 0.31).

Sources:

  • Xu G., Lin X., Xiong B., et al. (2025). Artificial intelligence literacy, sustainability of digital learning and practice achievement: A study of vocational college students. PLOS One, 20(10).