Developing Digital Media Literacy Competency through AI Chatbot Technology for Secondary School Students in the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Educational Service Area Office 5

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: (1) to develop a curriculum designed to enhance digital media literacy skills using AI Chatbot technology; (2) to compare students’ digital media literacy abilities before and after participating in the curriculum; and (3) to investigate students’ attitudes toward the use of AI Chatbot technology as a tool for developing digital media literacy competencies. The sample group comprised 32 lower secondary school students, selected through multistage sampling techniques to ensure appropriate representation. The research employed a variety of instruments to support data collection and analysis, including: (1) a 15-hour instructional curriculum incorporating AI Chatbot technology; (2) a 30-item assessment measuring digital media literacy ability; (3) a performance-based assessment rubric; and (4) an attitude scale measuring students' perceptions toward the use of AI Chatbot in the learning process. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize general trends, and a paired t-test was used to assess the significance of differences in digital media literacy performance before and after the intervention.

Research Findings: (1) The developed curriculum incorporated learning units emphasizing interaction between students and the AI Chatbot to foster active learning. The content addressed essential components of media literacy, including access, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and ethical media production; (2) A comparison of digital media literacy scores before and after the intervention showed a statistically significant improvement in post-test scores (p < .05), indicating the effectiveness of the curriculum and AI Chatbot in enhancing students’ media literacy; and (3) Students’ attitudes toward the use of AI Chatbot technology were mostly at a good to very good level. They perceived the technology as engaging, easy to understand, and supportive of self-directed learning anywhere and anytime. Furthermore, the AI Chatbot promoted interest and critical thinking toward digital content.