Artificial intelligence applications for improving educational quality in elementary schools: A systematic literature review

Briliana Andina Putri; Elza Rachmawati Zahra; Sagita Nur’ Aeni; Mawan Akhir Riwanto

doi:10.26740/eds.v9n2.p231-244

Authors

Briliana Andina Putri Elementary School Teacher Education, Nahdlatul Ulama Al Ghazali University Cilacap
Elza Rachmawati Zahra Elementary School Teacher Education, Nahdlatul Ulama Al Ghazali University Cilacap
Sagita Nur’ Aeni Elementary School Teacher Education, Nahdlatul Ulama Al Ghazali University Cilacap
Mawan Akhir Riwanto Elementary School Teacher Education, Nahdlatul Ulama Al Ghazali University Cilacap

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26740/eds.v9n2.p231-244

Keywords:

Artifical Intelligence, Elementary school, Educational quality

Abstract

Elementary school education plays a fundamental role in developing students’ basic skills and competencies, yet it continues to face increasing challenges related to diverse learner needs, instructional quality, and the growing demands of digital transformation. In this context, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) offers promising opportunities to enhance learning quality through personalized instruction, adaptive learning systems, and improved instructional efficiency. This study aims to examine the use of artificial intelligence in improving the quality of education at the elementary school level and to analyze its implications for both teachers and students. This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) approach by analyzing relevant studies published between 2020 and 2025 and retrieved from Google Scholar. A structured screening and selection process was conducted based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in ten studies selected for in-depth analysis. The selected articles were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify patterns related to AI implementation, pedagogical impacts, and challenges in elementary education contexts. The findings indicate that AI in elementary education is predominantly utilized as a pedagogical support tool rather than as a substitute for teachers. The integration of AI contributes to improvements in students’ cognitive understanding, learning motivation, engagement, and instructional differentiation. Additionally, AI supports teachers by providing rapid feedback, enhancing instructional efficiency, and assisting in the delivery of complex learning materials. However, the impacts reported in the reviewed studies tend to be incremental and short-term, with limited empirical evidence demonstrating long-term or transformational effects on learning outcomes. Furthermore, the successful implementation of AI is strongly influenced by teacher readiness, pedagogical competence, and institutional support. Issues related to AI literacy, ethical considerations, and human–AI interaction at the elementary school level remain insufficiently explored. This study concludes that while AI holds significant potential to improve the quality of elementary education, its sustainable and meaningful integration requires strengthened teacher capacity, supportive institutional frameworks, and further research employing longitudinal and experimental designs.

References

Abdillah Mahdi Aziz, Prayuningtyas Angger Wardani, H. U. (2024). Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Komik Digital Berbasis Artifical Intelligence di Sekolah Dasar. Pendas : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, 09(02).

Ahmad, O. F., Soares, A. S., Mazomenos, E., Brandao, P., Vega, R., Seward, E., Stoyanov, D., Chand, M., & Lovat, L. B. (2019). Artificial intelligence and computer-aided diagnosis in colonoscopy: current evidence and future directions. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 4(1), 71–80.

Fathin, D. U., Prasetyo, T., & Yuliani, S. (2024). Pengaruh Penggunaan Teknologi AI dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Pembelajaran di Sekolah Dasar. JIPSD.

Gagaramusu, Y., Kaharu, S., & Pratama, R. (2025). Utilization of Artifical Intelligence (AI) Developing Interactive Teaching Modules for Elementaru School Teachers Pemanfaatan Artifical Intelligence dalam Menyusun Modul Ajar Interaktif bagi Guru Sekolah Dasar. 3(April), 8–12.

Gao, F. (2025). Exploring the role of EFL students’ AI literacy and readiness in their academic goal orientations: An achievement goal theory (AGT) perspective. Learning and Motivation, 92, 102203. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2025.102203

Hariyanto, Kristianingsih, F. X. D., & Maharani, R. (2025). Artificial intelligence in adaptive education: a systematic review of techniques for personalized learning. Discover Education, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00908-6

Iin Almeina Loebis, S. L. (2025). The Effect of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Student Learning Achievement in High School. Journal of Multidisciplinary Sustainability Asean, 2(2), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.55849/wp.v3i1.569

Joo, K. H., & Park, N. H. (2024). Teaching and Learning Model for Artificial Intelligence Education. Procedia Computer Science, 239, 226–233. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.06.166

Kassenkhan, A. M., Moldagulova, A. N., & Serbin, V. V. (2025). Gamification and Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Review of Innovative Approaches to Fostering Critical Thinking. IEEE Access.

Kaswan, K. S., Dhatterwal, J. S., & Ojha, R. P. (2024). AI in personalized learning. In Advances in technological innovations in higher education (pp. 103–117). CRC Press.

Khomsah, S. N., & Darmanto, E. (2024). Pembelajaran Berbasis Artificial Intelligence pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar. JANACITTA.

Kosmas, P., Nisiforou, E. A., Kounnapi, E., Sophocleous, S., & Theophanous, G. (2025). Integrating artificial intelligence in literacy lessons for elementary classrooms: a co-design approach. Educational Technology Research and Development, 73(4), 2589–2615. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-025-10492-z

Kuo, B.-C., Bai, Z.-E., & Lin, C.-H. (2026). Developing an AI learning companion for mathematics problem solving in elementary schools. Computers & Education, 240, 105463. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105463

Lampropoulos, G. (2025). Combining artificial intelligence with augmented reality and virtual reality in education: Current trends and future perspectives. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 9(2), 11.

Lee, H., Kim, H., & Yan, W. (2025). Promoting inclusive AI and technology in K-12 education: A review of context, instructional strategies, and learning outcomes. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 9, 100478. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100478

Lee, S. J., & Kwon, K. (2024). A systematic review of AI education in K-12 classrooms from 2018 to 2023: Topics, strategies, and learning outcomes. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 6, 100211. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100211

Li, M. (2025). Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Primary Mathematics Education: Investigating Internal and External Influences on Teacher Adoption. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 23(5), 1283–1308. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-024-10515-w

Li, M., & Su, Y. (2020). Evaluation of Online Teaching Quality of Basic Education Based on Artificial Intelligence. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(16), 147–161. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i16.15937

Maufidhoh, I., & Maghfirah, I. (2023). Implementasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Artificial Intelligence melalui Media Puzzle Maker pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar. ABUYA: Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar, 1(1), 29–43.

Mazı, A., & Yıldırım, İ. O. (2025). Primary school teachers’ opinions on the use of artificial intelligence in educational practices. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101576. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101576

Nujum, N., Hadi, M. S., Jakarta, M., Info, A., & History, A. (2025). Pengaruh Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Berbantuan Media AI terhadap Peningkatan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa di Sekolah Dasar. JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 8, 1333–1341.

Putra, A. P., Akbar, S., Setyosari, P., & ... (2024). Analisis Pemanfaatan Artificial Intelligence (AI) dalam Pendidikan terhadap Kualitas Pembelajaran di Sekolah Dasar. Ilmu Pendidikan ….

Ramadhani, N. S., & Usiono. (2023). Systematic Literature Review: Revolusi Pancasila dalam Globalisasi di Era Industri. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(5), 3337–3346. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i5.6297

Rani, R. S. (2024). AI Tools: Bright and New Look to Classroom. Rover Publications United International Journal of Engineering and Sciences (UIJES), 4(3), 2582–5887. https://doi.org/10.53414/UIJES:2024.43.408

Rasool, U., Li, J., & Liu, M. (2025). Perceptions of generative AI in teaching and learning: UTAUT and TPACK model-based study of teachers and students. Acta Psychologica, 261, 105827. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105827

Rohmah, A. N. (2024). The Utilization of Artifical Intelligence (AI) Based Media in Enhancing the Learning Process at the Elementary School Level. Basica, 3(2), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.37680/basica.v4i2.6145

Russell, R. G., White, J., Karns, A., Rodriguez, K., Jeffries, P. R., & Sengstack, P. (2025). Toward amplifying the good in nursing education: A quality improvement study on implementing artificial intelligence-based assistants in a learning system. Nursing Outlook, 73(5), 102483. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102483

Sanusi, I. T., Agbo, F. J., Dada, O. A., Yunusa, A. A., Aruleba, K. D., Obaido, G., Olawumi, O., Oyelere, S. S., & Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (CEMRI). (2024). Stakeholders’ insights on artificial intelligence education: Perspectives of teachers, students, and policymakers. Computers and Education Open, 7, 100212. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100212

Sarker, I. H. (2022). AI-based modeling: techniques, applications and research issues towards automation, intelligent and smart systems. SN Computer Science, 3(2), 158.

Selvakumar, P., Mishra, B. R., Mohanapriya, T., Shukla, R., & TC, M. (2025). Student Engagement and Motivation in Personalized Learning. In Integrating Personalized Learning Methods Into STEAM Education (pp. 123–142). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.

Simon, P. D., & Zeng, L. M. (2024). Behind the Scenes of Adaptive Learning: A Scoping Review of Teachers’ Perspectives on the Use of Adaptive Learning Technologies. Education Sciences, 14(12), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121413

Wiziack, J. C., & dos Santos, V. M. P. D. (2021). Evaluating an integrated cognitive competencies model to enhance teachers’ application of technology in large-scale educational contexts. Heliyon, 7(1), e05928. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05928

Xu, D. (2025). Artificial Intelligence Empowers Excellent Primary and Secondary School Teachers with Collaborative Education in Dual Teacher Communities. 20(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJWLTT.384515

Yim, I. H. Y., & Su, J. (2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning Tools in K-12 Education: a Scoping Review. In Journal of Computers in Education (Vol. 12, Issue 1). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00304-9

Yim, I. H. Y., & Su, J. (2025). Artificial intelligence literacy education in primary schools: a review. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 35(5), 2175–2204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-025-09979-w

Yohanes, R. A., & Rapsanjani, H. (2024). Penggunaan Kecerdasan Buatan dalam Konteks Pembelajaran di Sekolah Dasar. … Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar.

Yue Yim, I. H. (2024). A critical review of teaching and learning artificial intelligence (AI) literacy: Developing an intelligence-based AI literacy framework for primary school education. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 7, 100319. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100319