Technological integration and professional competency development

A structural equation analysis of generative AI, learning engagement, and media literacy in journalism education

Bibliographic Data

ID22164560
AuthorsLifang Chen (0009-0007-0352-735X, North China Institute of Science and Technology), Mo Chen (0000-0002-9898-8082, North China Institute of Science and Technology)
Year2026
Volume11
Publication date2026-05-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2504-284X • E-ISSN: 2504-284X
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/feduc.2026.1812350
OpenAlexW7160194805
LanguageEN
References cited71

This study investigates how generative artificial intelligence (AI) integration affects professional skill development in journalism education through learning engagement and media literacy. Conducted between September 2023 and February 2024 across five Chinese universities, this cross-sectional survey study employed structural equation modeling (SEM; Mplus 8.8) to test a sequential mediation model. A stratified random sample of 500 journalism and communication students provided valid data (response rate: 76.9%). Results demonstrate that AI integration in journalism education operates through a developmental pathway rather than direct skill transfer. AI utilization first enhances student learning engagement, which subsequently improves media literacy capabilities, and finally contributes to professional skill development [full sequential indirect effect: β = 0.172, 95% CI (0.115, 0.229)]. These findings suggest that effective AI integration requires structured pedagogical approaches that sequence learning activities from initial engagement with AI tools, through critical evaluation skill development, to professional application. For journalism educators, this implies the need for curriculum designs that recognize these developmental stages rather than treating AI as a simple tool addition. The study contributes to understanding technology adoption in professional education contexts while acknowledging the limitations of cross-sectional research design and single-country sampling

Curriculum · Generative grammar · Journalism · Literacy · Media literacy · Mediation · Stratified sampling · Structural equation modeling · Technology integration · Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education · Ethics and Social Impacts of AI · Online Learning and Analytics

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