Autonomous or Automated? Chatbot-Mediated Self-Directed Learning among Undergraduate Computing Students
Abstract
This qualitative study examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots mediate self-directed learning (SDL) among undergraduate computing students. While chatbots served dual roles as instrumental tools and affective supports, and students verified outputs using critical strategies, we identified emergent default-use patterns. These patterns, characterized by static prompting and reliance on chatbots as a primary resource, limited strategic flexibility and resource diversity. Our findings advance SDL theory by demonstrating how chatbot mediation can simultaneously foster and constrain learner autonomy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
AI in Service Interactions
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Adaptive Learning
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
- Publisher
- Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN