The study, titled “AI Literacy Mediating the Relationship Between ChatGPT Use and Educational Independence in EFL Writing: A Qualitative Study in a Palestinian University,” was published in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, a leading Q1 journal indexed in Scopus with an impact factor of 16.7.

As generative AI tools become increasingly integrated into higher education, the study examines how students engage with ChatGPT and how AI literacy influences their ability to learn independently. Rather than viewing AI solely as a technological tool, the research highlights the importance of developing the knowledge and critical skills needed to use such technologies effectively and responsibly.

The findings suggest that AI literacy plays a key role in helping students benefit from AI-supported learning while maintaining their autonomy as learners. Participants emphasized the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated content, recognizing potential biases and limitations, and making informed decisions about when and how to use AI tools in academic work.

The study also found that responsible AI use requires more than technical competence. Ethical awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to balance technological assistance with independent learning emerged as essential components of effective AI literacy.

By offering insights into students’ experiences with AI-assisted writing, the research contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of artificial intelligence in higher education. The findings have practical implications for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers seeking to integrate AI into teaching and learning in ways that support both innovation and learner development.

The study was conducted by a research team from the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Teacher Training comprising Dr. Bilal Hamamra, Dr. Zuhair Khlaif, and graduate student Najma Mahamid.

The publication adds to the growing body of research on artificial intelligence in education and provides valuable evidence on the role of AI literacy in fostering more independent, reflective, and resilient learners in an increasingly digital educational landscape.