Human-AI Collaborative Learning: AI-Enhanced Project-Based Learning for Future Technology Prototyping in Higher Education

Abstract

Higher education has debated the thin line between AI literacy development and cognitive disengagement in AI-supported learning environment. This paper presents a detailed AI-Enhanced Conceptual Prototyping (A-ECP) framework that integrates human-AI interaction into project-based learning through interactive design, structured monitoring, and AI-assisted visualization of abstract Management Information Systems (MIS) concepts. The study was conducted at the undergraduate level at the College of Business at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University in Saudi Arabia. Using ChatGPT as a human-centred generative AI tool, students transformed theoretical MIS concepts into future technology prototypes through iterative prompting, visualization, and reflective refinement. ChatGPT was selected due to its familiarity and accessibility among students, reducing technological barriers and supporting collaborative human-AI learning experiences. The framework was evaluated through a post-intervention survey, which indicated a mean score of x̄ = 4.64 and 92.9% confidence in AI integration within academic settings. Themes identified from qualitative thematic analysis include AI-Augmented Creativity and Visual Clarity in Learning, highlighting the role of human-AI collaboration in supporting conceptual understanding and engagement. Academic performance improved by 6.05 percentage points from the previous semester, rising from 77.34% to 71.29%, with a moderate effect size (Cohen's d = 0.60). The findings show that integrating human-centred AI in a structured way can improve conceptual understanding, student engagement, and AI literacy while still maintaining critical thinking. Additionally, the study confirms the pedagogical significance of the A-ECP framework, aligning it with the SAMR model, AI-TPACK, Cognitive Load Theory, and Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for a digital workforce.

Keywords: Human-Computer Interaction, Human-AI Collaboration, Generative AI, AI-Enhanced Learning, User Experience in Education, Project-Based Learning.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007267