Integrating Mobile AI in Art Education: A Study on Children's Engagement and Self-Efficacy

Siyuan Zeng; Norsafinar Rahim; Songni Xu

doi:10.3991/ijim.v19i11.54847

Authors

siyuan zeng Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5183-1201
Norsafinar Rahim Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7144-2223
Songni Xu Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Sichuan, China https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4167-2882

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i11.54847

Keywords:

- Mobile Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Children Learning, child-computer interaction (CCI), web-based learning, sketch drawing, research development, validation, Machine Learning,, Actual Use of Mobile Learning, motivation toward learning, student engagement

Abstract

Existing literature has extensively explored the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in core subjects such as mathematics and language, but its use in children’s painting education remains limited. Addressing this gap is crucial, particularly in examining how AI can enhance children’s self-efficacy, motivation, and engagement in art. This study developed a scaffolded teaching method using a mobile AI synchronous generation drawings (MAI-SGD) tool and evaluated its effectiveness in primary school art education. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving 60 third-grade students divided into an experimental group (using MAI-SGD) and a control group (using traditional paper painting). Data were collected through motivation, self-efficacy, and art engagement scales. Results indicated that students using MAI-SGD demonstrated higher artistic engagement (p < 0.05) and significantly outperformed the control group in drawing motivation and creative self-efficacy. These findings suggest that MAI-SGD enhances creative interest and benefits technology-sensitive learners. The study offers empirical support for AI in children’s art education and provides insights for its reform, emphasizing individualized teaching. Future research should explore MAI-SGD’s applicability across cultural contexts and educational stages to advance its theoretical and practical contributions to art education.

Author Biographies

siyuan zeng, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China

Zeng Siyuan, graduated from the Film Art Instruction of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 2015, received his master's degree in Film and Television Production in 2018, and is now a PhD candidate at the University of Science Malaysia (USM), and is now a senior lecturer at Southwest University for Nationalities, and was awarded the National Art Foundation Research Project Grant in 2023, and his research areas include Film and Television Art Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Teaching and Learning Technology Development, and Digital Technology for Intangible Cultural Heritage preservation technology, etc.

Norsafinar Rahim, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

Norsafinar Rahim holds a PhD in Information Technology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Her research expertise covers user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, human-computer interaction, game-based learning, artificial intelligence, and instructional technology, with a focus on their application in education.

Songni Xu, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Sichuan, China

Songni Xu is currently a Ph.D candidate at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is currently a senior lecturer at Sichuan University of Science & Engineering. Her research areas include basic principles of preschool children, preschool art education, mobile interactive technology, and artificial intelligence.