The Future of Education: A Systematic Literature Review of Self-Directed Learning with AI

Carmen del Rosario Navas Bonilla (), Luis Miguel Viñan Carrasco, Jhoanna Carolina Gaibor Pupiales and Daniel Eduardo Murillo Noriega
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Carmen del Rosario Navas Bonilla: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Humanas y Tecnologías, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060101, Ecuador
Luis Miguel Viñan Carrasco: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Humanas y Tecnologías, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060101, Ecuador
Jhoanna Carolina Gaibor Pupiales: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Humanas y Tecnologías, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060101, Ecuador
Daniel Eduardo Murillo Noriega: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Humanas y Tecnologías, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060101, Ecuador

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-22

Abstract: As digital transformation continues to redefine education, understanding how emerging technologies can enhance self-directed learning (SDL) becomes essential for learners, educators, instructional designers, and policymakers, as this approach supports personalized learning, strengthens student autonomy, and responds to the demands of more flexible and dynamic educational environments. This systematic review examines how artificial intelligence (AI) tools enhance SDL by offering personalized, adaptive, and real-time support for learners in online environments. Following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, a literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2020 and 2025. After applying inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria, 77 studies were selected for in-depth analysis. The findings indicate that AI-powered tools such as intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, conversational agents, and natural language processing applications promote learner autonomy, enable self-regulation, provide real-time feedback, and support individualized learning paths. However, several challenges persist, including overreliance on technology, cognitive overload, and diminished human interaction. These insights suggest that, while AI plays a transformative role in the evolution of education, its integration must be guided by thoughtful pedagogical design, ethical considerations, and a learner-centered approach to fully support the future of education through the internet.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; adaptive learning; self-regulation; digital learning environments; e-learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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