Personalized Learning in Distance Education: The Impact of AI-Powered Tools on Engagement and Self-Regulation

Bachtiar; Sylvia

doi:10.55982/openpraxis.18.1.925

Personalized Learning in Distance Education: The Impact of AI-Powered Tools on Engagement and Self-Regulation

Open Praxis

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1

By: Bachtiar and Sylvia

Open Access

|Feb 2026

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) offers transformative potential to address persistent challenges in sustaining student engagement and fostering self-regulated learning (SRL). However, empirical evidence on its effective application in geographically dispersed contexts, such as Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia, remains limited. This study explores how AI-powered tools influence postgraduate students’ learning experiences, focusing on engagement and SRL. Adopting a mixed-methods with convergent parallel design, data were collected from 112 postgraduate students through validated questionnaires and enriched with semi-structured interviews involving 12 purposively selected participants. Quantitative analysis using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed that AI-driven tools significantly enhanced engagement through interactive activities, personalized feedback, and adaptive learning pathways. Simultaneously, qualitative thematic analysis highlighted that these technologies supported SRL by enabling goal-setting, real-time progress monitoring, and strategic learning adjustments. Nonetheless, challenges such as data privacy concerns, infrastructural limitations, and digital inequalities emerged as critical barriers to equitable AI implementation. This study contributes to the field by identifying contextually relevant AI strategies that promote inclusive, student-centred ODL practices and providing conceptual perspectives on how AI supports the development of SRL processes. The results highlight the critical role of institutional endorsement and ethical guidelines in enhancing the integration of artificial intelligence within various educational environments.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55982/openpraxis.18.1.925 | Journal eISSN: 2304-070X

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Language: English

Page range: 146 - 165

Submitted on: Jun 2, 2025

Accepted on: Oct 18, 2025

Published on: Feb 24, 2026

Published by: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence,

open and distance learning,

self-regulated learning,

student engagement,

personalized learning,

adaptive learning technologies,

educational technology,

mixed-methods research,

postgraduate education,

digital equity in education

© 2026 Bachtiar, Sylvia, published by International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1