Developing an AI-Powered Digital Literacy Platform for Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills

Thesis Abstract

In an era characterized by rapid digital transformation and information proliferation, the ability to critically evaluate digital content has become a fundamental component of literacy. However, current digital literacy initiatives often lack a robust focus on fostering critical thinking skills essential for discerning credible information and making informed judgments. This study aims to develop and evaluate an AI-powered digital literacy platform explicitly designed to enhance critical thinking skills among university students. The primary objectives include (1) designing an adaptive digital literacy platform incorporating machine learning algorithms to personalize learning paths; (2) integrating critical thinking assessment modules into the platform; (3) examining the effectiveness of the platform in improving students’ critical evaluation capabilities; and (4) establishing a theoretical framework grounded in Bloom's Taxonomy and the Social Constructivist Learning Theory to underpin the platform's design. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, employing a quasi-experimental design complemented by qualitative insights. The quantitative component involves a sample of 300 undergraduate students from technical universities, selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection instruments include a validated digital literacy and critical thinking skills assessment questionnaire, and learning analytics retrieved from the platform's backend. The qualitative aspect comprises semi-structured interviews with 20 participating students and focus group discussions with educators to explore user experiences and contextual factors influencing engagement. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and ANCOVA to measure pre- and post-intervention differences, while thematic analysis is used to interpret qualitative data, providing nuanced insights into user perceptions and platform usability. Expected findings indicate that the AI-driven platform significantly enhances students’ ability to critically evaluate digital information, leading to increased digital literacy scores and more discerning online behaviors. The embedded adaptive learning features facilitate personalized skill development, resulting in higher engagement levels and improved learning outcomes. Furthermore, the integration of formative assessment modules contributes to sustained critical thinking improvement, with qualitative insights revealing positive user experiences and highlighting areas for refinement. This research contributes to existing knowledge by demonstrating the potential of artificial intelligence to personalize and enhance digital literacy education, particularly in cultivating critical thinking skills. It bridges a gap in the literature concerning the application of AI-driven platforms in digital literacy development within higher education contexts and provides a theoretical model rooted in Bloom's Taxonomy and Constructivist theories for digital literacy interventions. The findings have implications for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers aiming to integrate innovative, technology-based solutions into digital literacy curricula. The study concludes that AI-powered platforms represent a viable strategy for fostering critical digital literacy skills, with evidence supporting their scalability and adaptability across diverse educational settings. Recommendations include integrating the platform into mainstream curricula, conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term impacts, and exploring the integration of additional AI features such as natural language processing to further personalize learning experiences. Future research should investigate cross-cultural applicability and the effectiveness of similar platforms among different student populations, including early learners and adult learners, to expand the pedagogical utility of AI-enhanced digital literacy tools. The findings underscore the urgent need to leverage artificial intelligence in crafting dynamic, user-centered educational environments that prepare learners for critical engagement in a digitally interconnected world.