The Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Students’ 21st Century Skills

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in developing 21st-century skills among students at the South Cluster Campuses of Bukidnon State University. Specifically, it investigates how AI tools influence critical thinking, problem-solving, and information technology skills. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved 150 tertiary students, and data were collected through a standardized questionnaire and researcher-made instrument. Statistical analyses, including mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation, were applied to measure the relationships between AI tool usage and the development of students' skills. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between AI usage and the development of all three skills. Students reported high perceptions of AI’s effectiveness in enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking, while the correlation with information technology skills, though still significant, was weaker. These results suggest that AI tools are integral in promoting cognitive development and digital literacy, contributing significantly to the cultivation of essential skills for the modern workforce. The study advocates for continued AI integration into academic environments to enhance skill acquisition and future learning outcomes.