AI Insight
This study investigated how AI-enhanced learning activities affect digital literacy in 212 pre-service preschool teachers in China over one semester. Participants showed moderate overall digital literacy, with strengths in information usage and organization but weaker metacognition and problem-solving skills. Statistical analysis revealed that engagement with AI-enhanced learning activities was positively correlated with all digital literacy dimensions and made significant contributions to overall digital literacy development.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that incorporating AI-enhanced learning into teacher training programs could effectively develop digital literacy skills in future early childhood educators. This preparation may enable them to more effectively integrate AI tools in preschool settings, addressing the growing need for digitally literate educators in early childhood education.
Understand the Science
IntroductionThis study examined the contribution of AI enhanced learning activities to the digital literacy of preservice early childhood education student teachers.MethodsA quantitative post-intervention explanatory design was used involving 212 Early Childhood Education students at a university in Jiangxi Province, China, who participated in AI-enhanced learning activities for one semester. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and SEMPLS.ResultsStudents demonstrated a moderate level of digital literacy, with information usage and organization showing the highest scores, while metacognition and problem-solving were relatively lower. Engagement in AI-enhanced learning activities was positively and significantly related to all dimensions of digital literacy. SEM results further showed that AI-enhanced learning activities made a significant positive contribution to overall digital literacy.DiscussionThese findings suggest that integrating AI enhanced learning activities into pre-service teacher education may support the development of student teachers’ digital literacy and better prepare them to integrate AI meaningfully in early childhood settings.