Roles and impacts of generative AI agents in STEAM learning: insights from students’ perceptions and learning experiences using information world mapping
摘要
The recent emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) agents has brought significant potential and challenges in education. In science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education, it is especially vital to cultivate students’ GenAI literacy and critical thinking skills. These competencies enable students to effectively apply artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their STEAM learning. The present study proposed a GenAI agent-based STEAM learning approach and adopted the information world mapping (IWM) method to explore how a GenAI agent enhanced the engagement of 12 middle school students in a STEAM course, and their perceptions of GenAI agent-supported STEAM learning. These students fully participated in a 16-week course titled “Creative Design in STEAM Education.” Participants were asked to illustrate significant individuals, items, locations, and their interconnections to delve into their perceptions of and feedback on GenAI agent-supported STEAM learning. The results showed that while middle school students’ GenAI literacy improved, it did not reach a statistically significant level. In contrast, there was a significant enhancement in their critical thinking tendencies. Regarding students’ perceptions of GenAI agent-supported STEAM learning, the majority acknowledged that the GenAI agent played the roles of information provider and interaction facilitator in STEAM learning activities, particularly excelling in information retrieval and learning interactions. Moreover, the GenAI agent had positive influences on students in various aspects, including learning support, task completion, tool functionality, user experience, usage confidence and attitudes, as well as perceived warmth. Overall, the GenAI agent-based STEAM learning approach effectively enhanced middle school students’ technical skills and problem-solving abilities while also strengthening their teamwork, ethical awareness, and reflective capabilities, thereby demonstrating its potential for future applications in education.