Harnessing Generative Artificial Intelligence for Digital Literacy Innovation: A Comparative Study between Early Childhood Education and Computer Science Undergraduates

The recent surge of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education presents a fascinating landscape of opportunities and challenges. AI has the potential to personalize education and create more engaging learning experiences. However, the effectiveness of AI interventions relies on well-considered implementation strategies. The impact of AI platforms in education is largely determined by the particular learning environment and the distinct needs of each student. Consequently, investigating the attitudes of future educators towards this technology is becoming a critical area of research. This study explores the impact of generative AI platforms on students' learning performance, experience, and satisfaction within higher education. It specifically focuses on students' experiences with varying levels of technological proficiency. A comparative study was conducted with two groups from different academic contexts undergoing the same experimental condition to design, develop, and implement instructional design projects using various AI platforms to produce multimedia content tailored to their respective subjects. Undergraduates from two disciplines-Early Childhood Education (n = 32) and Computer Science (n = 34)-participated in this study, which examined the integration of generative AI platforms into educational content implementation. Results indicate that both groups demonstrated similar learning performance in designing, developing, and implementing instructional design projects. Regarding user experience, the general outcomes were similar across both groups; however, Early Childhood Education students rated the usefulness of AI multimedia platforms significantly higher. Conversely, Computer Science students reported a slightly higher comfort level with these tools. In terms of overall satisfaction, Early Childhood Education students expressed greater satisfaction with AI software than their counterparts, acknowledging its importance for their future careers. This study contributes to the understanding of how AI platforms affect students from diverse backgrounds, bridging a gap in the knowledge of user experience and learning outcomes. Furthermore, by exploring best practices for integrating AI into educational contexts, it provides valuable insights for educators and scholars seeking to optimize the potential of AI to enhance educational outcomes.