ChatGPT Adoption in Higher Education: TAM, Digital Literacy on Academic Achievement Mediated by Critical Thinking

Authors

  • Rita Budiyarti Universitas Negeri Semarang
  • Wisudani Rahmaningtyas Universitas Negeri Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1770

Keywords:

Academic Achievement, ChatGPT Adoption, Critical Thinking Mediation , Digital Literacy , Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and digital literacy on academic achievement, with critical thinking ability serving as a mediator. The method used was a quantitative survey with PLS-SEM analysis among college students who use ChatGPT. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use do not have a direct effect on academic achievement, while digital literacy has a weak effect. However, perceived usefulness and digital literacy significantly influence critical thinking skills, which, in turn, strongly influence academic achievement. Critical thinking skills fully mediate this relationship. These findings indicate that the role of artificial intelligence in education does not directly improve academic achievement but operates through cognitive processes, particularly critical thinking skills. Therefore, integrating AI-based tools such as ChatGPT into higher education must be accompanied by strategies that enhance students’ critical thinking skills.

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Author Biographies

Rita Budiyarti, Universitas Negeri Semarang

She was born in Cianjur, Indonesia, on October 22, 2003. She is currently an undergraduate student in the Office Administration Education Program at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Indonesia.

Wisudani Rahmaningtyas, Universitas Negeri Semarang

She is an Assistant Professor of Economic Education at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Indonesia. Her research interests include organizational behavior, human resource management, blended learning, educational technology, and sustainability in education.

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Published

2026-07-30

How to Cite

Budiyarti, R., & Rahmaningtyas, W. (2026). ChatGPT Adoption in Higher Education: TAM, Digital Literacy on Academic Achievement Mediated by Critical Thinking. Edunesia : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 7(3), 1807–1826. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1770

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