A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EDUCATORS’ ENGAGEMENT WITH AI IN PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i1.787Keywords:
artificial intelligence, problem-based learning, human-computer interaction, sustainable development goal 4, AI in education, AI ethicsAbstract
This systematic review examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supporting Problem-Based Learning (PBL) within the Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) framework in education, with explicit alignment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). The review aims to: (i) examine how educators interact with AI-driven PBL tools, (ii) evaluate the pedagogical impact of AI-enhanced PBL on teaching and learning outcomes, and (iii) identify key research gaps related to AI, HCI, and PBL adoption in educational contexts. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, 50 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2024 were systematically selected from major academic databases. The selected studies were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo 14 to ensure transparency. The findings reveal three dominant themes. First, AI-driven PBL environments enhance educator and student collaboration by facilitating real-time feedback, intelligent scaffolding, and data-informed instructional decisions. Second, AI tools support adaptive and personalized learning experiences that improve learner engagement and problem-solving skills. However, these benefits are accompanied by persistent ethical concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and educator autonomy. Third, AI-based assessment practices within PBL contexts remain underdeveloped, indicating a lack of robust empirical evidence on automated feedback, formative assessment, and learning analytics integration. Based on the synthesis, this review proposes the AI-Enhanced Academic Interaction Model (AEAIM), integrating the Technology Acceptance Model, Constructivist Learning Theory, and Krashen’s Input Hypothesis to explain educators’ adoption and use of AI-enhanced PBL. The review contributes theoretically by advancing an integrative adoption framework and practically by highlighting design, ethical, and policy implications for sustainable AI integration in education.
References
[1] Alfaro-Viquez, D., Zamora-Hernandez, M., Fernandez-Vega, M., Garcia-Rodriguez, J., Azorin-Lopez, J. (2025): A Comprehensive Review of AI-Based Digital Twin Applications in Manufacturing: Integration Across Operator, Product, and Process Dimensions. – Electronics 14(4): 28p.
[2] Amdan, M.A., Janius, N., Jasman, M.N., Kasdiah, M.A.H. (2024a): Advancement of ai-tools in learning for technical vocational education and training (TVET) in Malaysia (empowering students and tutor). – International Journal of Science and Research Archive 12(1): 2061-2068.
[3] Amdan, M.A.B., Janius, N., Kasdiah, M.A.H.B., Amdan, M.A.B., Janius, N., Kasdiah, M.A.H.B. (2024b). Concept paper: Efficiency of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for STEM education in Malaysia. – International Journal of Science and Research Archive 12(2): 553-559.
[4] Amdan, M.A.B., Janius, N., Saidin, M.S.B., Kasdiah, M.A.H.B. (2025): Impact of Artificial Intelligence in TVET and STEM Education among Higher Learning Students in Malaysia. – Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education 2(1): 1-14.
[5] Amin, A.M., Karmila, F., Rijal, S., Hujjatusnaini, N., Adiansyah, R. (2025): The Development of Integrated Project-Based and 4C-Scaffolding Model with AI to Overcome Misconceptions. – Journal of Education and e-Learning Research 12(2): 336-345.
[6] Chen, L., Chen, P., Lin, Z. (2020): Artificial intelligence in education: A review. – IEEE Access 8: 75264-75278.
[7] Cheng, E.W. (2019): Choosing between the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the technology acceptance model (TAM). – Educational Technology Research and Development 67(1): 21-37.
[8] Chounta, I.A., Bardone, E., Raudsep, A., Pedaste, M. (2022): Exploring teachers’ perceptions of artificial intelligence as a tool to support their practice in Estonian K-12 education. – International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education 32(3): 725-755.
[9] Coelho, H., Silva, F., Correia, M., Rodrigues, P.M. (2025): Artificial Intelligence in Patient Blood Management: A Systematic Review of Predictive, Diagnostic, and Decision Support Applications. – Journal of Clinical Medicine 14(23): 36p.
[10] De La Cruz Martínez, G., Zamorano, C.A. (2019): Teaching artificial intelligence using project-based learning. – In ICERI2019 Proceedings, IATED 6p.
[11] Do Rêgo, A.C.M., Araújo-Filho, I. (2024): Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of life for patients with autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review. – European Journal of Clinical Medicine 5(5): 28-38.
[12] Hariyanto, Kristianingsih, F.X.D., Maharani, R. (2025): Artificial intelligence in adaptive education: a systematic review of techniques for personalized learning. – Discover Education 4(1): 18p.
[13] Hawamdeh, M.M.K., Adamu, I. (2021): Problem-based learning (PBL): A deep approach to learning in the 21st century. – In Improving Scientific Communication for Lifelong Learners, IGI Global Scientific Publishing 18p.
[14] Mahto, M.K. (2024): Explainable artificial intelligence: Fundamentals, approaches, challenges, XAI evaluation, and validation. – In Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Vehicles, CRC Press 24p.
[15] Maia, D.M., Dos Santos, S.C., Lima, L.G., Franca, V.L., Lima, A.H., Andrade, D. (2024): Critical factors for a reliable ai in tutoring systems on accuracy, effectiveness, and responsibility. – In 2024 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), IEEE 9p.
[16] Nguyen, A., Kremantzis, M., Essien, A., Petrounias, I., Hosseini, S. (2024): Enhancing student engagement through artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the basics, opportunities, and challenges. – Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice 21(6): 1-13.
[17] Omeh, C.B., Ayanwale, M.A. (2025): Artificial Intelligence Meets PBL: Transforming Computer-Robotics Programming Motivation and Engagement. – Frontiers in Education 10: 12p.
[18] Porayska-Pomsta, K., Holmes, W., Nemorin, S. (2023): The ethics of AI in education. – In Handbook of Artificial Intelligence in Education, Edward Elgar Publishing 33p.
[19] Tan, L.Y., Hu, S., Yeo, D.J., Cheong, K.H. (2025): Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Adaptive Learning Platforms: A Review. – Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence 9: 12p.
[20] Selwyn, N., Hillman, T., Bergviken-Rensfeldt, A., Perrotta, C. (2023): Making sense of the digital automation of education. – Postdigital Science and Education 5(1): 1-14.
[21] Su, J., Yang, W. (2024): Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy in early childhood education: An intervention study in Hong Kong. – Interactive Learning Environments 32(9): 5494-5508.
[22] Wu, F., Lu, C., Zhu, M., Chen, H., Zhu, J., Yu, K., Li, L., Li, M., Chen, Q., Li, X., Cao, X. (2020): Towards a new generation of artificial intelligence in China. – Nature Machine Intelligence 2(6): 312-316.
[23] Zhang, Y., Zhang, M., Wu, L., Li, J. (2025): Digital transition framework for higher education in AI-assisted engineering teaching: Challenge, strategy, and initiatives in China. – Science & Education 34(2): 933-954.
[24] Zou, D., Xie, H., Kohnke, L. (2025): Navigating the Future: Establishing a Framework for Educators' Pedagogic Artificial Intelligence Competence. – European Journal of Education 60(2): 16p.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHAMMAD ANIQ AMDAN, AMDAN ASIM, NUR FIRZANA ROSMAN, NALDO JANIUS, FAIZUL HAFIZZIE DASUKI, NICHOLAS KAMARAU JOHNNY

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.