Enhancing Educational Outcomes: Innovative Approaches to Human–AI Collaboration in Learning Environments

A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102). This special issue belongs to the section "Technology Enhanced Education".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2025) | Viewed by 3859

Special Issue Editor

Department of Educational & Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
Interests: AI in education; educational data mining; educational data visualization; HCI
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, a fundamental transformation has occurred in education due to the increased integration of novel technologies such as educational data mining (EDM), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and reinforcement learning (RL) to support teaching and learning practices. With the growing presence of AI and large language models (LLMs) in educational contexts, exploring approaches to support human-centered AI has become a highly relevant and timely topic. 

This Special Issue focuses on “human-centered AI in education”, which refers to the approaches that prioritize the needs and agency of students and educators when designing and implementing AI technologies. In educational settings, human-centered AI highlights the accuracy, safety, and fairness of AI systems while also considering their influences on human identity and privacy. Exploring such approaches is relevant and timely considering the increasing integration of AI and large language models (LLMs) into educational settings. AI and LLMs have the potential to enhance learning and teaching experiences by providing personalized learning paths, timely feedback, and adaptive learning evaluations. However, their utilization also raises concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for reducing human involvement in educational processes. Therefore, this Special Issue will explore innovative approaches for facilitating the  use of human-centered AI in education, ensuring that the technology enhances rather than degrades the educational experience. Topics of interest for this Special Issue include (but are not limited to) the following: 

  • Human–AI Collaboration in Education. In what ways can AI systems be designed to maximize their beneficial potential to humans? 
  • AI’s Impact on Human Autonomy and Agency. How do AI systems influence the autonomy and agency of students and educators? How can we strike the balance between them? 
  • Personalized Learning and Adaptive Systems. How can AI-driven personalized learning systems adapt to individual students’ needs and preferences? What are the benefits and challenges of adaptive learning technologies?
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency of AI in Education. How can AI systems be made more transparent and understandable for educators, students, and other stakeholders? 
  • Ethical Implications of AI in Education. What are the ethical challenges posed by AI and LLMs in educational settings? How can issues related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and fairness be addressed? 
  • Social and Cultural Impacts of AI in Education. What are the broader social and cultural implications of integrating AI in educational settings? How does AI influence educational equity and access?

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Bo Pei
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • human-centered AI in education
  • human–AI collaboration in education
  • personalized learning
  • AI trustworthy
  • AI fairness
  • ethical AI

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 721 KB  
Article
Blending Generative AI and Instructor-Led Learning: Empirical Insights on Student Motivation, Learning Experience, and Academic Performance in Higher Education
by Dizza Beimel, Meital Amzalag, Rina Zviel-Girshin and Nadav Voloch
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111480 - 4 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700
Abstract
The growing integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in higher education has potential to transform learning experiences. However, empirical research comparing GenAI-supported learning with traditional instruction lags behind these developments. This study addresses this gap through a controlled experiment involving 96 undergraduate [...] Read more.
The growing integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in higher education has potential to transform learning experiences. However, empirical research comparing GenAI-supported learning with traditional instruction lags behind these developments. This study addresses this gap through a controlled experiment involving 96 undergraduate computer science students in a Database Management course. Participants experienced either GenAI-supported or traditional instructions while learning the same concept. Data were collected through questionnaires, quizzes, and interviews. Analyses were grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), which posits that effective learning environments support autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Quantitative findings revealed significantly more positive learning experiences with GenAI tools, particularly enhancing autonomy through personalized pacing and increased accessibility. Competence was supported, reflected in shorter study times with no significant achievement differences between approaches. Students performed better on moderately difficult questions using GenAI, indicating that GenAI may bolster conceptual understanding. However, interviews with 11 participants revealed limitations in supporting relatedness. While students appreciated GenAI’s efficiency and availability, they preferred instructor-led sessions for emotional engagement and support with complex problems. This study contributes to the theoretical extension of SDT in technology-mediated learning contexts and offers practical guidance for optimal GenAI integration. Full article
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Review

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45 pages, 848 KB  
Review
AI-Enhanced Computational Thinking: A Comprehensive Review of Ethical Frameworks and Pedagogical Integration for Equitable Higher Education
by John C. Chick
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111515 - 10 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1196
Abstract
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence technologies into higher education presents unprecedented opportunities for enhancing computational thinking development while simultaneously raising significant concerns about educational equity and algorithmic bias. This comprehensive review examines the intersection of AI integration, computational thinking pedagogy, and diversity, [...] Read more.
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence technologies into higher education presents unprecedented opportunities for enhancing computational thinking development while simultaneously raising significant concerns about educational equity and algorithmic bias. This comprehensive review examines the intersection of AI integration, computational thinking pedagogy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion imperatives in higher education through a comprehensive narrative review of 167 sources of current literature and theoretical frameworks. From distilling principles from Human–AI Symbiotic Theory (HAIST) and established pedagogical integration models, this review synthesizes evidence-based strategies for ensuring that AI-enhanced computational thinking environments advance rather than undermine educational equity. The analysis reveals that effective AI integration in computational thinking education requires comprehensive frameworks that integrate ethical AI governance with pedagogical design principles, creating practical guidance for institutions seeking to harness AI’s potential while protecting historically marginalized students from algorithmic discrimination. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on responsible AI implementation in educational settings and provides actionable recommendations for educators, researchers, and policymakers working to create more effective, engaging, and equitable AI-enhanced learning environments. Full article
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