Using social learning theories to explore the role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in collaborative learning

Abstract

This opinion piece highlights the integral role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Employing social learning theories, this opinion piece aims to explore generative AI as a stakeholder in learning. By weaving in social constructivist and learning theories, this opinion paper aims to uncover the capacity of generative AI to facilitate and enhance the learning process. Central to this opinion piece proposition is cultivating a learning community that leverages AI's potential as a new learning stakeholder. This opinion piece aims to contribute to ongoing discussions in the field of learning development by offering a fresh outlook on how AI can be an asset in knowledge co-creation and collaborative learning. The paper does this in the following ways: (1) highlights how generative AI can effectively contribute to learning and knowledge co-creation, and (2) provides some guidance for integrating generative AI in collaborative learning.

Keywords

• collaborative learning
• social constructivism
• social learning theories
• artificial intelligence
• higher education