THE EFFECT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE–BASED LEARNING TOOLS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND LEARNING ENGAGEMENT IN K–12 EDUCATION

Syahrani Syahrani (Universitas HKBP Nommensen, North Sumatera, Indonesia)
Hardi Tambunan (Universitas HKBP Nommensen, North Sumatera, Indonesia)
Firman Pangaribuan (Universitas HKBP Nommensen, North Sumatera, Indonesia)

EDUTECH
Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): Education Studies and Teaching Journal

This study evaluates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based adaptive learning tools on student achievement and learning engagement at SMK Negeri 1 Percut Sei Tuan. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the research addresses the effectiveness of AI in suburban educational contexts characterized by specific infrastructure challenges and diverse digital literacy levels. The findings demonstrate that students utilizing AI-based tools achieved significantly higher academic performance compared to those instructed through conventional methods. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was identified between learning engagement and academic success, suggesting that AI facilitates a more personalized and responsive learning environment. These results validate the application of Cognitive Load Theory and Self-Determination Theory in vocational education, proving that AI acts as a pedagogical catalyst that optimizes cognitive processes while fostering intrinsic motivation among students.