Opportunities, Challenges and Implications of ChatGPT in the Self-Directed Learning Process on the Critical Thinking Skills of Management Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59890/ijir.v3i7.44Keywords:
Opportunities, Challenges, Implications, ChatGPT, Self-Directed Learning, Critical Thinking SkillsAbstract
This study aims to explore the use of ChatGPT in higher education, particularly in supporting self-directed learning and the development of students' critical thinking skills. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with students and lecturers from various academic programs. The findings reveal that ChatGPT offers convenience in accessing information, constructing arguments, and building initial academic understanding. However, excessive use without proper guidance may lead to a decline in cognitive reflection, dependency on instant answers, and risks of academic dishonesty. Students generally feel assisted in independent exploration but still need support in evaluating the validity and accuracy of AI-generated responses. Lecturers, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of digital literacy and ethical awareness in using such technology. The study recommends integrating AI-based tools into learning strategies, strengthening AI literacy, and establishing institutional policies to ensure responsible use. With appropriate implementation, ChatGPT can serve as an effective tool to enhance learning quality and student autonomy in the digital era
References
Brookfield, S. D. (2012). Teaching for critical thinking: Tools and techniques to help students question their assumptions. Jossey-Bass.
Candy, P. C. (1991). Self-direction for lifelong learning: A comprehensive guide to theory and practice. Jossey-Bass.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, D. L., Ismagilova, E., Aarts, G., Coombs, C., Crick, T., ... & Williams, M. D. (2023). So what if ChatGPT wrote it? Multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities, challenges and implications of generative conversational AI for research, practice and policy. International Journal of Information Management, 71, 102642.
Ennis, R. H. (1993). Critical thinking assessment. Theory into Practice, 32(3), 179–186.
Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts (2015 ed.). Insight Assessment.
Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2001). Critical thinking, cognitive presence, and computer conferencing in distance education. American Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 7–23.
Hobbs, R. (2010). Digital and media literacy: A plan of action. Aspen Institute.
Howard, R. M. (1999). Standing in the shadow of giants: Plagiarists, authors, collaborators. Ablex Publishing.
Kasneci, E., Sessler, K., Betsch, T., et al. (2023). ChatGPT for good? On opportunities and challenges of large language models for education. Learning and Individual Differences, 103, 102274.
Krause, A., Dalvi, A., & Zaidi, N. (2025). Rethinking the educator’s role in the age of AI: A framework for reflective AI literacy. Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 35(2), 145–162.
Krause, S., Dalvi, A., & Zaidi, S. K. (2025). Generative AI in Education: Student Skills and Lecturer Roles. arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.19673.
Laupichler, A., Spannagel, C., & Slany, W. (2022). Defining AI literacy: Competencies for informed interaction with artificial intelligence. Proceedings of the 52nd ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, 957–963.
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications.
Melisa, D., Hartono, R., & Suryani, A. (2025). The risk of metacognitive laziness in AI-assisted learning. Journal of Educational Technology and Cognitive Science, 18(1), 45–60.
Melisa, R., et al. (2025). Critical Thinking in the Age of AI: A Systematic Review of AI's Effects on Higher Education. Educational Process: International Journal, 14, e2025031.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
MIT. (2023). Cognitive offloading and neural activity during AI-assisted tasks. MIT Media Lab Reports.
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Rogoff, B. (1990). Apprenticeship in thinking: Cognitive development in social context. Oxford University Press.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
Salmon, G. (2000). E-Moderating: The key to teaching and learning online. Kogan Page.
Sari, D. N., & Alfiyan, A. R. (2023). Peran adaptasi game (gamifikasi) dalam pembelajaran untuk menguatkan literasi digital: Systematic literature review. UPGRADE: Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi Informasi, 1(1), 43-52.
Sari, D. N., Soamole, A., & Marsella, P. E. (2024). Preparing Student's Competencies To Face The Challenges Of The VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Compexity, Ambiguity) ERA. Journal of Development Economics and Digitalization, Tourism Economics, 1(3), 181-190.
Sok, S., & Heng, K. (2024). Opportunities, challenges, and strategies for using ChatGPT in higher education: A literature review. Journal of Digital Educational Technology, 4(1), ep2401.
Syairofi, M. (2024). Penguatan literasi AI dalam pembelajaran berbasis teknologi: Studi pada mahasiswa perguruan tinggi. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan Modern, 12(1), 33–48.
Times Higher Education. (2024). How to teach with ChatGPT: Debates, ethics, and AI literacy.
Yusop, E. M. (2025). The Effect of ChatGPT in Fostering Self-Directed Learning in the ESL Writing Classroom. SEAQIL Journal of Language Education, 3(2).
Yusop, F. D. (2025). Kebijakan dan etika penggunaan AI dalam pendidikan tinggi: Perspektif institusi. Jurnal Kebijakan Pendidikan Tinggi, 9(2), 77–89.
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64–70.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Dwi Novita Sari, Hardianawati, Prasastiara Eka Marsella, Mintarsih, Ahmad Rifqy Alfiyan

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.




