The Mediating Role of Students’ Digital Literacy in the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence Based Learning Tools and Academic Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70148/v3i2.4Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, digital literacy, academic performance, higher education, structural equation modelingAbstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the inseparable part of the contemporary education that gives students adaptative and personalised learning experiences. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of AI-based learning tools in terms of academic performance can be predetermined by the skills of students to operate digital technologies. The purpose of this research was to examine how the mediating variable of digital literacy of the students influenced the relationship between the academic performance and AI-based learning tools. The cross-sectional correlational design was applied and a convenience sample of 243 university students enrolled in AI-supported courses located in Karachi, Pakistan. Three standardised measures were used, including AI-Based Learning Tools Utilisation Scale, Digital literacy competence Questionnaire, and Academic Performance Scale. To determine both direct and indirect effects, Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to analyse data. The results were meaningful positive correlations among AI-based learning tools and digital literacy (r = 0.462, P ≤ 0.01), digital literacy and academic performance (r = 0.418, P ≤ 0.01). The outcomes of the SEM showed that digital literacy was a strong mediator of the correlation between AI-based learning tools and academic performance ( 0.142, P < 0.001). The mediating effect of digital literacy among students, between the use of AI-based learning tools and academic performance, is quite notable. Boosting the digital literacy add more value to AI technologies and offer better learning results to students.
References
Alzboon, M. S., Al-Shorman, H. M., Alka’awneh, S. M. N., Saatchi, S. G., Alqaraleh, M. K. S., Samara, E. I. M., … & Haija, A. A. A. (2025). The Role of Perceived Trust in Embracing Artificial Intelligence Technologies: Insights from SMEs. In Intelligence-Driven Circular Economy: Regeneration Towards Sustainability and Social Responsibility—Volume 2 (pp. 1-15). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Awad, A. (2025). The role of digital marketing tools in promoting tourism: An applied study on online marketing strategies. Innovative Marketing.
Alqaraleh, M. (2024, June). Enhancing Internet-based Resource Discovery: The Efficacy of Distributed Quadtree Overlay. In 2024 3rd International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence and Computing (ICAAIC) (pp. 1619-1628). IEEE.
Alzboon, M. S., Qawasmeh, S., Alqaraleh, M., Abuashour, A., Bader, A. F., & Al-Batah, M. (2023, October). Pushing the Envelope: Investigating the Potential and Limitations of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Computer Science Research. In 2023 3rd International Conference on Emerging Smart Technologies and Applications (eSmarTA) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.
Alka’awneh, S. M. N., Halim, H. A., Wahed, M. K. Y. A., Alqaraleh, M. K. S., Alzboon, M. S., Al-Shorman, H. M., … & Shelash, S. I. (2025). Perceived security and privacy in artificial intelligence adoption: extending TAM in the context of Jordanian SMEs. In Intelligence-Driven Circular Economy: Regeneration Towards Sustainability and Social Responsibility–Volume 1 (pp. 415-430). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Awad, A., Shemais, M., & Al-Embabi, M. (2024). Driving HR performance through digital transformation in educational directorates: A strategic imperative. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 22(4), 163.
Al Tal, S., Al Salaimeh, S., Alomari, S. A., & Alqaraleh, M. (2019). The modern hosting computing systems for small and medium businesses. Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal, 25(4), 1-7.
Awad, A., Kordy, A., Hassan, A., & Aal, H. A. (2025). The role of blockchain technology in advancing supply chain innovation: A descriptive-analytical study.
Awad, A., & Mahmoud, M. (2024). Impact of electronic customer relationship management on competitive advantage: Mediating role of customer satisfaction in EgyptAir. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 22(3), 276.
Awad, A., Akola, O., Amer, M., & Mousa, E. K. A. (2025). Artificial intelligence in financial statement preparation: Enhancing accuracy, compliance, and corporate performance. Int. J. Innov. Res. Sci. Stud, 8, 361-374.
Aldabousi, A. M. (2022). Legal Problems of Electronic Pollution According to UAE and Egyptian Law. The Arab World Geographer, 25(2-3), 154-168.
Aldabousi, A. M. (2023). The legal problems facing the conclusion of cloud computing contracts. Universidad y Sociedad, 15(3), 602-611.
Al-Batah, M. S., Alzboon, M. S., Migdadi, H. S., Alkhasawneh, M., & Alqaraleh, M. (2024). Advanced Landslide Detection Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing Data. Data Metadata, 3.
Awad, A., Al‐fil, N. Z., Dganni, K. M., Aldabousi, A. M., & Obeidat, M. A. (2024). Optimizing dormant account management in UAE banking: Legal gaps and proposed reforms. Banks and Bank Systems, 19 (4), 124.
Awad, A. (2025). The role of universities’ social responsibility in enhancing business sustainability: Mediating role of entrepreneurial culture. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 23(1), 181.
Aldabousi, A. M. (2022). Legal problems of conclusion of intelligent software agent for smart commercial contracts in the era of Blockchain UAE as model. Universidad y Sociedad, 14(S3), 713-728.
Awad, A. (2025). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Data-Driven Marketing: Enhancing Marketing Efficiency, Customer Engagement, and Business Performance in SMEs. Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences, 31(149), 22-36.
Awad, A., & Aldabousi, A. M. (2024). Analyzing the impact of viral marketing on brand equity dimensions in Egypt’s home appliances sector: A customer and legal perspective. Innovative Marketing, 20(4), 100.
Awad, A., & Ghonim, A. (2025). Data-Driven Marketing in Banks: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Marketing Efficiency and Business Performance. International Review of Management and Marketing, 15(5), 422.
Awad, A. (2025). Augmented Reality as a Tool for Customer Engagement: Impact on Brand Perception in Retail. TEM Journal, 14(3).
Aldabousi, A. M. (2025). Managing commercial space activities: Legal and regulatory challenges in the UAE’s space sector. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 23(2), 423.
Aldabousi, A. M., Awad, A., Hassan, H. E. M., Abdullah, S. S., & Ghonim, A. (2025). Arbitration in Islamic banking: Exploring legal and practical implications for dispute resolution. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(2), 15.
Awad, A., Aldabousi, A. M., & Albatal, S. (2025). The influence of social media marketing on customer knowledge management: The role of confidentiality in UAE public banks. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(1), 1.
Alghizzawi, M., Hussain, Z., Abualfalayeh, G., Abu-AlSondos, I. A., Alqsass, M., & Chehaimi, E. M. (2025). The impact of AI-driven strategy on salespeople training and performance. International Review of Management and Marketing, 15(2), 1.
Almeer, S., Almaamari, Q., Ateeq, A., & Nagi, M. (2024). The impact of psychological empowerment on job creativity a study applied to employees of the ministry of works, municipalities affairs and Urban Planning in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In Business Sustainability with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Challenges and Opportunities: Volume 2 (pp. 517-529). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Al-Ramahi, N., Kreishan, F. M., Hussain, Z., Khan, A., Alghizzawi, M., & AlWadi, B. M. (2024). Unlocking sustainable growth: The role of artificial intelligence adoption in jordan retail sector, moderated by entrepreneurial orientation. International Review of Management and Marketing, 14(6), 143.
Al-Sherman, N., & Aldabousi, A. M. (2024). The Complementary Penalties Enforced to Combat Corporate Crimes in UAE Law. Pakistan Journal of Criminology, 16(3).
Awad, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence and marketing innovation: The mediating role of organizational culture. Innovative Marketing, 20(3), 170.
Awad, A., Aziz, A. F., & Shma, T. R. (2025). Investment behavior in the Egyptian stock market: The impact of social media on investor decision-making. Investment Management & Financial Innovations, 22(1), 203.
Aldabousi, A. M. (2023). The Artificial Intelligence as an Inventor Legal Study. Russian Law Journal, 11(3S), 105-111.
Aldabousi, A. M. (2024). The Joint Responsibility of the Air Carrier Established in accordance with International Conventions on the Status of Air Terrorism. Pakistan Journal of Criminology, 16(2), 135.
Davis, F. D. (1989). Technology acceptance model: TAM. Al-Suqri, MN, Al-Aufi, AS: Information Seeking Behavior and Technology Adoption, 205(219), 5.
Ghonim, A., Awad, A., Shemais, M., Shma, T., & Aziz, A. (2025). Exploring the impact of flexible work arrangements on employee engagement in telecommunications: case of Egypt. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 23(2), 198.
Ghonim, A., & Awad, A. (2024). Leveraging E-Marketing for enhancing customer knowledge management: A systematic review of tourism strategies in the Saudi Arabian context. Journal of Ecohumanism, 3(8), 11693-11709.
Ghonim, A., & Awad, A. (2025). Shaping customer insights through e-marketing: An applied study in the banking sector. Journal name not provided.
Hussain, Z., Sultan, R., Asadullah, A., Arif, M., & Ali, A. (2022). The Impact of Zakat Literacy, Trust, and the Accessibility of Digital Payments on Generation Z and Y’s Intention to Pay Zakat to Central Zakat Fund, the State Bank of Pakistan. International Journal of Zakat, 7(2), 105-114.
Khalifa, H., Al-Absy, M., Badran, S., Alkadash, T. M., Almaamari, Q. A., & Nagi, M. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic and diffusion of fake news through social media in the Arab world. Arab Media & Society, 30(Summer/Fall 2020).
Khan, A., Hamid, A. B. A., Saad, N. M., Hussain, Z., & Arif, A. R. (2023). Effectiveness of artificial intelligence in building customer loyalty: investigating the mediating role of chatbot in the tourism sector of Pakistan. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(9), 657-671.
Khan, A., Hussain, Z., Mari, I. H., & Ali, A. (2022). Adoption of digital marketing strategies in tourism industry: a case study of Pakistan. J-CEKI: Jurnal Cendekia Ilmiah, 1(3), 190-208.
Mahmoud, M., Shma, T., Aziz, A., & Awad, A. (2025). Integrating knowledge management with smart technologies in public pharmaceutical organizations. Knowledge and Performance Management, 9(1), 31.
Mari, I. H., & Hussain, Z. (2021). Climate Change in Pakistan: Govt Efforts to Reduce the Climat Change Threats. European journal of innovation in nonformal education, 1(1), 1.
Nagi, M., Nigam, S., Ateeq, A., Al-Maamari, Q., & Almeer, M. S. (2023). Analyzing relation among performance, career planning, and impact of retaining workers in industrial companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bol. Lit. Oral Lit. J, 10(1), 3685-3700.
Nagi, M., & Bojiah, J. (2020). Real classes vs Online classes: A comparative study on the chosen course of HRM students of Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(18), 31-39.
Nagi, M. (2024). Strategic Human Resource Management Impacting on the Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Mediating Role of Employee Involvement and Human Capital Development. In Business Sustainability with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Challenges and Opportunities: Volume 2 (pp. 249-256). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Nagi, M., Nigam, S., Pothu, H., & Sonika, S. (2025). Exploring Social Media Usage and Compulsive Scrolling Behaviour. In Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Security for Environmental and Business Sustainability: Volume 1 (pp. 539-550). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Nagi, M., & Singh, S. (2025). The Future of Retail: A Technology Acceptance Model Analysis of Self-checkout. In Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Security for Environmental and Business Sustainability: Volume 1 (pp. 31-40). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Nagi, M., Bojiah, J., & Al Firas, M. (2024). Students’ Perceptions of Written Examinations and Typed Examinations-A Comparative Study in Gulf University. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 155-167.
Nagi, M., & Nigam, S. (2023). Impact and Analyzing Employees Performance On Modern Working Approach and Work from home. Journal of Survey in Fisheries Sciences, 10(2S), 113-120.
Nazil, A. R. (2025). AI at War: The next revolution for military and defense.
Nazil, A. R. (2025). AI-Powered Visualization is Transforming Modern Healthcare. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(8), 1474-1478.
Obeidat, M. A., AlFil, N. Z., Aldabousi, A. M., & DGANNI, K. M. (2024). Criminal Protection for the Merchants from the Crimes of Electronic Publishing about Invasion of Privacy in UAE Legislation. Pakistan Journal of Criminology, 16(3).
Qadeer, A., & Awad, A. (2025). AI-Powered ChatGPT in Branding: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions. In Impacts of AI-Generated Content on Brand Reputation (pp. 1-26). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Qadeer, A., Awad, A., & Ali, A. (2025). Understanding Generative AI Implementation in Digital Advertising Among Retail SMEs in Pakistan. In Impacts of AI-Generated Content on Brand Reputation (pp. 177-202). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Qadeer, A., & Awad, A. (2025). Generative AI in Advertisements: A Conceptual Framework Based on the Technology Acceptance Model. In Impacts of AI-Generated Content on Brand Reputation (pp. 109-128). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Saatchi, S. G., Wahed, M. K. Y. A., Alqaraleh, M. K. S., Al-Shorman, H. M., Alanazi, T., Alka’awneh, S. M. N., … & Alzyoud, M. (2025). The influence of compatibility on the acceptance of artificial intelligence in Kuwaiti universities. In Intelligence-Driven Circular Economy: Regeneration Towards Sustainability and Social Responsibility–Volume 1 (pp. 103-117). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Saeed Almanbahi, F., Awad, A., Ghonim, A., Mohammed Alabsy, N., & Shemais, M. (2025). Ethical leadership and organizational excellence: the mediating role of citizenship behavior in healthcare. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1-14.
Saad, M., Awad, A., Aziz, A. F., & Shma, T. R. (2025). Influencer marketing’s impact on credibility and purchase intention: A study on University of Bisha students in Saudi Arabia. Innovative Marketing, 21(1), 326.
Sharma, M. K., & Nagi, M. (2018). Factors affecting prevalence of reverse mentoring in India. International Journal of Business Marketing and Management, 3(8), 2456-4559.
Sharma, M. K., & Nagi, M. (2015). Generational Differences in Family Enterprises: A Need for Reverse Mentoring.
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive science, 12(2), 257-285.
Wahed, M. A., Alzboon, M. S., Alqaraleh, M., Halasa, A., Al-Batah, M., & Bader, A. F. (2024, November). Comprehensive Assessment of Cybersecurity Measures: Evaluating Incident Response, AI Integration, and Emerging Threats. In 2024 7th International Conference on Internet Applications, Protocols, and Services (NETAPPS) (pp. 1-8). IEEE.
Wahed, M. A., Alqaraleh, M., Alzboon, M. S., & Al Batah, M. S. (2025). Application of Artificial Intelligence for Diagnosing Tumors in the Female Reproductive System: A Systematic Review. Multidisciplinar (Montevideo), (3), 15.
Wahid, A., & Awad, A. (2025). Role of AI Chatbots in Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty. In Impacts of AI-Generated Content on Brand Reputation (pp. 129-148). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Wahed, M. A., Alzboon, M. S., Alqaraleh, M., Halasa, A., Al-Batah, M., & Bader, A. F. (2024, November). Technological Innovations in Autonomous Vehicles: A Focus on Sensor Fusion and Environmental Perception. In 2024 7th International Conference on Internet Applications, Protocols, and Services (NETAPPS) (pp. 1-7). IEEE.
Yahia Shams Eldin, A., Elnour, A., Omer Ahmed Hassan, R., & Awad, A. (2025). The role of technological and environmental factors in creating business value from social media dynamic capabilities for SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1-11.
Yusuf, A., Ayus, A. K. M., Shiddieqy, D. F., & Awad, A. (2025). The Role of Sukuk Financing in Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence from Selected ASEAN Countries. Public and Municipal Finance, 14, 42-50.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Rizwan Ahmed (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
