COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT

This study examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage on the learning engagement of Chemistry Education undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and involved a sample of 100 students randomly selected from different levels of the Chemistry Education program during the 2024/2025 academic session. A structured questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence Tools and Learning Engagement Questionnaire (AITLEQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts, and its reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielding a coefficient value above 0.7. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that Chemistry Education students make frequent use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and adaptive learning platforms for academic purposes. The results showed a positive relationship between AI usage and students’ learning engagement across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Specifically, AI tools enhanced students’ motivation, confidence, and participation in learning activities, while helping them understand complex chemistry concepts and manage study routines effectively. However, the study also identified several challenges hindering optimal AI use, including poor internet connectivity, high data costs, and limited institutional support. Based on these findings, the study concluded that the use of Artificial Intelligence significantly improves students’ engagement, learning efficiency, and academic productivity. It recommended that universities strengthen internet infrastructure, integrate AI literacy into teacher education curricula, and provide adequate institutional support to foster effective AI adoption. The study also suggested that further research should explore AI’s long-term effects on academic achievement, cross-disciplinary comparisons, and lecturer readiness for AI integration in Nigerian higher education.