Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education to Enhance STEM Literacy: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence in higher education has become an innovative strategy for enhancing students’ STEM literacy in the digital era. This study aims to analyze the improvement of students’ STEM literacy in AI-based learning and to examine students’ perceptions of the use of artificial intelligence in the learning process. This study employed a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design. The participants consisted of 67 students from Abdul Muthalib Sangadji State Islamic University Ambon, Maluku. The research data comprised both quantitative and qualitative data collected through an online questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that the integration of artificial intelligence in AI-based learning significantly improves students’ STEM literacy, particularly in the areas of data analysis skills, problem-solving, and the critical use of technology. Students’ perceptions of AI use tended to be positive, especially regarding ease of access to information and learning efficiency, although concerns remained about dependency and the decline of independent thinking skills. These findings confirm that the integration of artificial intelligence in AI-based learning is effective in enhancing students’ STEM literacy. The implications of this research emphasize the necessity of developing learning strategies that promote the critical and reflective use of AI to support the quality of learning in higher education.