The Impact of Learner Characteristics and AI Utilization on Learning Experiences in a Smart Nutrition Education Platform

• In Event: AI-Mediated Teaching and Learning Across Educational Contexts

Abstract

This study investigated relationships between learner characteristics, AI utilization, and learning outcomes in an intelligent nutrition education platform. We examined 109 university students and explored how prior nutrition literacy, motivational factors, task anxiety, and critical thinking influenced learners’ interactions with AI support. Results revealed that participants with higher baseline nutrition literacy were less likely to utilize AI support. While prior nutrition literacy significantly influenced feelings of knowing (FOK), AI usage showed no significant effects on perceived usefulness or judgment of learning. Analysis of AI interactions revealed a strong preference for factual information seeking with limited engagement in normative and interpretative queries. These findings suggest the need for adaptive AI systems and highlight importance of scaffolding AI interaction for deep learning.

Authors

• Shan Li, Lehigh University

• Juan Zheng, Lehigh University

• Guozhu Ding, Guangzhou University