WHEN AI MEETS LIFELONG LEARNERS : LEARNING MOTIVATION OF YOUNG AND SENIOR STUDENTS IN OPEN DISTANCE EDUCATION Grace Prima Apriani Sihombing1, Putri Keumala Ayu2, Aprilia Cahyani Prabudiantoro Putri3, Nur Hayati4, Rafly Alviandi5, Sabila Husna6 This Sample Abstract
1,3,4,5,6 Department of Sociology, Universitas Terbuka
2 Department of Communication Sciences, Universitas Terbuka Medan
Abstract
This study examines students^ learning motivation in remote open education when artificial intelligence is integrated into their academic activities. As the use of artificial intelligence in higher education becomes more widespread, it is important to understand how its use affects the motivation of different groups of learners, particularly in the context of a remote open learning system that serves students with a wide age range. This research is important because the Open University (UT) accommodates students of various age ranges whose motivational responses to the adoption of artificial intelligence differ significantly. The survey method was used with a Likert scale structured questionnaire instrument which was distributed to 345 students from various faculties and distance learning program units (UPBJJ) throughout Indonesia. Data were analyzed descriptively by comparing responses between young students (under 30 years old) and senior students (30 years and older). The results showed that both groups showed a fairly positive level of motivation in the use of artificial intelligence tools, with senior students scoring slightly higher (average = 3.51) than younger students (average = 3.42) on a five-point scale. ChatGPT is the most widely used artificial intelligence tool by respondents. The findings suggest that the integration of artificial intelligence generally supports learning motivation in all age groups, although responses vary. Open distance education institutions need to develop age-responsive strategies to maximize the motivational benefits of artificial intelligence for lifelong learners.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Learning Motivation, Open Distance Education, Lifelong learners, Sociology of Education
Topic: Digital Power, Social Capital, and Inclusive Resilience: Interrogating Gender and Inequality in Technologically Mediated Societies (Digital Power- Social Capital- Inclusive Resilience)
