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Beyond tool use: how ecological coupling configures AI's empowerment for language learning engagement
Lingya Ge1,2, Yun Xia1,3, Chengfang Yang4
1College of Chinese Language and Literature, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) enhances language learning engagement by integrating with teachers, peers, and the environment. Optimal AI use depends on strategic ecological governance for sustained learner involvement.
Area of Science:
- Educational Technology
- Artificial Intelligence in Education
- Language Learning
Background:
- Existing research often views AI as a standalone tool in education.
- Ecological systems theory (EST) and ecological affordance theory (EAT) provide frameworks for understanding learning environments.
- The role of AI as an interactive agent within a broader learning ecosystem requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test an AI-empowerment Configural Model explaining AI's impact on language learning engagement.
- To investigate the mediating role of ecological coupling in AI-empowered learning.
- To identify distinct learner configurations based on AI integration.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed with 475 Chinese university language learners.
- The AI-empowerment Configural Model was developed and tested.
- Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify learner configurations.
Main Results:
- AI's positive effect on engagement is significantly mediated by perceived ecological coupling (teachers, peers, environment).
- Three distinct learner configurations emerged: low, moderate, and high coupling-engagement.
- These configurations systematically differed in their integration of AI.
Conclusions:
- The study shifts focus from AI tool implementation to strategic ecological governance.
- Effective AI integration requires synergistic human-AI coupling within the learning ecosystem.
- The findings offer a practical basis for designing environments that foster sustained language learning engagement.
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