Evaluating the Effectiveness of AI-Powered Adaptive Learning Systems in Secondary Schools

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of an AI-based adaptive learning system in increasing the learners' accomplishment in Saudi Arabian secondary schools. To ensure authenticity of the research, the study employed a quasi-experimental approach in which two schools and 40 students were employed to assess the impact of the adaptive learning intervention on the students' learning, engagement and attitudes. The findings showed that the use of the AI system improved students' performance, especially in terms of low performers and student satisfaction. However, at the same time, the study highlighted the problems associated with technological enhancement, the teachers' readiness, and the students' information technology literacy that have to be addressed to enhance the efficient and equitable use of such technologies in learning. This study can benefit Saudi Arabian policymakers and educators by enabling them to optimize the application of AI-based adaptive learning for the improvement of the educational system.