Effect of AI Usage on Learning, Creativity, and Innovation: The Role of Mediating Self-Efficacy and Moderating Task Complexity

Abstract

The impact of artificial intelligence usage (AIU) on learning, creativity, and innovation (LCI) is a pressing concern in the digital transformation era, as it significantly alters educational systems. These insights are crucial for enhancing learning systems and fostering students’ creativity and innovation. This study examines the factors by which AI usage (AIU) affects students’ LCI and puts forward a comprehensive conceptual framework that incorporates perspectives from both students and instructors, which were validated by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). To evaluate the hypotheses, 638 students from Bangladeshi public universities participated in a questionnaire survey conducted over nearly 5 months, along with a hierarchical regression analysis. Self-efficacy (SE) plays a significant mediating role between AI usage and LCI. Moreover, the association between AIU and SE is positively moderated by task complexity (TC), which promotes LCI. So, a mechanism of moderated mediation was found. The results of the study not only contribute to the theoretical understanding of how AI use affects students’ LCI but also provide instructors and students with valuable guidance to utilize AI to promote LCI during the period of digital transformation.