Abstract
The study investigated the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing students' engagement and motivation in online learning in TVET institutions in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Three research questions guided the study, while three null hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was conducted across eight TVET institutions in southwest Nigeria. The target population comprised lecturers, instructors, and students from these institutions. A random sampling technique was employed to select a total sample of 586 respondents. This sample consisted of 75 lecturers, 58 instructors, and 453 students. Standardized questionnaires were adapted and used to collect data for the study. The Cronbach Alpha reliability test, which produced a reliability index of α = 0.90, was used to determine the internal consistency. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for answering the research questions, while the null hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Based on the data analyzed, the findings revealed that AI tools such as virtual tutors, personalized content delivery, automated feedback systems, and gamified learning platforms significantly improve students' learning experiences by increasing their engagement and motivation. However, the study also revealed several institutional limitations that hinder the full incorporation of AI in TVET education. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to AI tools, and insufficient staff training. The analysis further showed statistically significant differences in perceptions between students and educators on the benefits of AI, while there was a collective concern across all groups regarding implementation challenges. The study recommends improving digital infrastructure, training educators on AI integration, and increasing institutional access to AI tools.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Student Engagement, Motivation, Online Learning and TVET Institutions
Publication Date: 2025-12-10