Artificial Intelligence in Indonesian Elementary Education: A Systematic Review of Student Motivation, Engagement, and Implementation Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70376/5dp9pd92Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; AI; Elementary Education; Learning Motivation; Student Engagement; Systematic Literature Review.Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in elementary education to support personalized, multimodal, inclusive, and emotionally responsive learning. However, evidence on its contribution to students’ motivation and engagement in Indonesian elementary schools remains limited and fragmented. This systematic literature review synthesized eight Indonesian studies published between January 2020 and April 2026, selected through PRISMA 2020 procedures from Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and relevant national peer-reviewed journals. Using thematic narrative synthesis, the review found that AI-supported learning may enhance students’ behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement through interactive inquiry, culturally relevant multimedia, emotional learning support, adaptive scaffolding, and inclusive access. AI-based mobile applications, AI-generated animation, AI-driven Canva tools, digital counseling platforms, AI game-based literacy models, and AI-assistive technologies were reported to strengthen participation, enjoyment, learning interest, comfort, comprehension, and accessibility. However, the evidence remains small, methodologically diverse, and inconsistent in measuring motivation and engagement. The findings indicate that AI should be positioned as a pedagogical support rather than a teacher substitute, requiring teacher readiness, ethical governance, inclusive design, infrastructure support, and contextual alignment with Indonesian elementary classrooms.
References
Agustyaningrum, N., Pradanti, P., & Yuliana, Y. (2022). Teori Perkembangan Piaget Dan Vygotsky : Bagaimana Implikasinya Dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Sekolah Dasar? Jurnal Absis Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Dan Matematika, 5(1), 568–582. https://doi.org/10.30606/absis.v5i1.1440
Anwar, M., Karsidi, R., Sunardi, S., & Widyastono, H. (2026). The Effects of Universal Design for Learning and AI-AT on the Engagement and Academic Outcomes of Students with Disabilities. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 25(3), 557–581. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.3.24
Badawi, H., & Adiyono, A. (2026). Artificial intelligence in Lebanese upper elementary science classrooms: Readiness, practices, and pedagogical impact. Journal of Elementary Education Research and Practice, 2(1), 46–59. https://doi.org/10.70376/r2ajk953
Budiyono, S., Azhari, P., & Pamungkas, M. A. B. (2024). Problem Penggunaan AI (Artificial Intelligence) Dalam Bidang Pendidikan. Al-Dyas, 3(2), 660–669. https://doi.org/10.58578/aldyas.v3i2.2935
Cimò, E. (2020). L’importanza Di Essere Connessi: L’educazione Digitale Nei Curricoli Scolastici Dei Sistemi Educativi Europei E Il Nuovo Curricolo Francese Dedicato Alle Scienze Digitali. Iul Research, 1(1), 226–241. https://doi.org/10.57568/iulres.v1i1.28
Gading, I. K., Sudarma, I. K., Lestari, L. P. S., Rismawan, K. S. G., Putri, D. Arum W. M., Dewi, D. A., & Lyesmaya, D. (2025). Developing a Technology-Enhanced Digital Counseling Model to Improve Students’ Learning Comfort and Happiness. Journal of Educational Technology and Learning Creativity, 3(2), 435–450. https://doi.org/10.37251/jetlc.v3i2.2538
Gobbo, G. D., Federighi, P., Maria, F. D., Frison, D., Galeotti, G., Iossa, S., Pasquali, G., & Spennato, B. (2022). Educational Ecosystems: A Research Model Applied in Four Italian Territories of the Tuscany Region. Form Re - Open Journal Per La Formazione in Rete, 22(1), 377–392. https://doi.org/10.36253/form-12965
Hakim, F., Fadlillah, A. N., & Rofiq, M. N. (2024). Artificial Intellegence (AI) Dan Dampaknya Dalam Distorsi Pendidikan Islam. Urwatul Wutsqo Jurnal Studi Kependidikan Dan Keislaman, 13(1), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.54437/urwatulwutsqo.v13i1.1330
Hong, Q. N., Fàbregues, S., Bartlett, G., Boardman, F., Cargo, M., Dagenais, P., Gagnon, M.-P., Griffiths, F., Nicolau, B., O’Cathain, A., Rousseau, M.-C., Vedel, I., & Pluye, P. (2018). The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 for information professionals and researchers. Education for Information, 34(4), 285–291. https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-180221
Isdayani, B., Thamrin, A. N., & Milani, A. J. (2024). Implementasi Etika Penggunaan Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) Dalam Sistem Pendidikan Dan Analisis Pembelajaran Di Indonesia. Digital Transformation Technology, 4(1), 714–723. https://doi.org/10.47709/digitech.v4i1.4512
Jayawardana, H. B. A. (2023). Potensi Penerapan Pembelajaran Berbasis AI (Artificial Intelligence) Di PAUD. Jecie (Journal of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education), 7(1), 251–255. https://doi.org/10.31537/jecie.v7i1.1515
Khofi, M. B., Kamal, L., & Arafah, N. N. (2026). Leadership in the age of artificial intelligence in elementary education management. Journal of Elementary Education Research and Practice, 2(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.70376/khgvbg45
Labobar, J. (2024). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE : Tantangan Dalam Pembelajaran Kewarganegaraan. Civics Education and Social Science Journal (Cessj), 6(1), 63–75. https://doi.org/10.32585/cessj.v6i1.5224
Losa, S., Botturi, L., Hermida, M., & Boéchat-Heer, S. (2021). Due Decadi Di Tecnologie Digitali in Educazione. Swiss Journal of Educational Research, 43(1), 98–115. https://doi.org/10.24452/sjer.43.1.8
Minsih, Widyasari, C., Diah Utami, R., Mujahid, I., Laila, A., Afandi, S., & Salsabila, H. (2026). Transformative Inclusive Education: A Case Study of an AI Game-Based Deep Learning Model for Literacy among Elementary School Students with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). F1000Research, 15, 391. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.171885.1
Muarifin, Z. (2024). Lunturnya Moralitas Pendidikan Di Era Artificial Intelligence. Creativity, 2(2), 221–234. https://doi.org/10.62288/creativity.v2i2.25
Nurjanah, L. U., Sutomo, M., Mu’alimin, M., & Ezginci, H. Y. (2025). Enhancing elementary students’ learning interest through AI-driven Canva learning tools: Evidence from a pre-experimental study. Al-Adzka: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 15(2), 202–211. https://doi.org/10.18592/aladzkapgmi.v15i2.18243
Oktavianus, A. J. E., Naibaho, L., & Rantung, D. A. (2023). Pemanfaatan Artificial Intelligence Pada Pembelajaran Dan Asesmen Di Era Digitalisasi. Jurnal Kridatama Sains Dan Teknologi, 5(02), 473–486. https://doi.org/10.53863/kst.v5i02.975
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., McGuinness, L. A., Stewart, L. A., Thomas, J., Tricco, A. C., Welch, V. A., Whiting, P., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Piccioli, M. (2022). Self-Assessment and Self-Improvement as Inclusive School Development. Form Re - Open Journal Per La Formazione in Rete, 22(1), 30–48. https://doi.org/10.36253/form-12645
Piccioli, M. S., & Reier, C. (2022). La Partecipazione Di Studenti E Studentesse: Una Sfida Nell’ambito Della Governance Scolastica. Iul Research, 3(5), 181–197. https://doi.org/10.57568/iulres.v3i5.299
Putri, S. A., Andhini, N. S., Putri, I. A., Yanthi, N., & Sukmawati, W. (2024). Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in Elementary School Minimum Competency Assessment: Literacy and Numeracy. Jurnal Cakrawala Pendas, 10(2), 206–214. https://doi.org/10.31949/jcp.v10i2.8413
Rachma, R. (2023). Kajian Literatur: Kemampuan Numerasi Pada Perkembangan Peserta Didik Di Lingkungan Sekolah. Cakrawala Jurnal Ilmiah Bidang Sains, 2(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.28989/cakrawala.v2i1.1456
Rahmi, A. S., Rosyidah, S. F., Mukhoyyaroh, F. R. D., Damayanti, I. P., Salsabila, S., & Istiningsih, I. (2022). Pengembangan Profesionalitas Guru Dalam Memahami Karakter Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Dawuh Guru Jurnal Pendidikan Mi/Sd, 2(2), 113–126. https://doi.org/10.35878/guru.v2i2.400
Rochmawati, D. R., Arya, I., & Zakariyya, A. (2023). Manfaat Kecerdasan Buatan Untuk Pendidikan. Jurnal Teknologi Komputer Dan Informatika, 2(1), 124–134. https://doi.org/10.59820/tekomin.v2i1.163
Rohani, S., Anwar, M., Hariyanto, S., Suyono, A., & Pribadi, F. A. (2026). Digital Storytelling and Indonesian Cultural Narratives through AI-Generated Animations for Children English Learning. XLinguae, 19(1), 203–220. https://doi.org/10.18355/XL.2026.19.01.14
Setyawan, H., & Purbohadi, D. (2025). Experimenting with AI-based mobile applications to improve student engagement in ornamental plant learning in rural Indonesian schools. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(3), 2333–2343. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i3.5787
Setyawan, F. B., Priambadha, A. A., Sofyan, I., Susanto, B. H., Rohani, N., Astuti, D. T., & Chun, A. C. (2026). Needs Analysis for Designing and Developing a Traditional Games Application to Enhance Psychomotor and Cognitive Skills in Inclusive Elementary Education. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v20i2.10219
Sugiantiningsih, A. A. P., Wisman, Y., & Cukei, C. (2023). Guru SD Sebagai “Model” Dalam Meningkatkan Indigeneousasi Pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Ilmiah Kanderang Tingang, 14(2), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.37304/jikt.v14i2.268
Thohir, M. A., Yanti, F. A., Handayani, R. D., & Halim, L. (2025). Relationship of TPACK, motivation, self-regulation, and learning performance on preservice primary school teachers. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 14(1), 188. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i1.30144
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Afif Alfiyanto, Fitri Hidayati, Muhammad Ghazali, Ivan Riyadi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
