Generative AI and Agency in Education: A Critical Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis
It addresses the impact of Generative AI on educational equity and autonomy for learners and teachers, highlighting gaps in research and implications for policy, but is incremental as a review of existing studies.
This scoping review analyzed the relationship between Generative AI and agency in education, finding that while GenAI can enhance learner agency through personalization, it also risks increasing inequalities and reducing autonomy.
This scoping review examines the relationship between Generative AI (GenAI) and agency in education, analyzing the literature available through the lens of Critical Digital Pedagogy. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we collected 10 studies from academic databases focusing on both learner and teacher agency in GenAI-enabled environments. We conducted an AI-supported hybrid thematic analysis that revealed three key themes: Control in Digital Spaces, Variable Engagement and Access, and Changing Notions of Agency. The findings suggest that while GenAI may enhance learner agency through personalization and support, it also risks exacerbating educational inequalities and diminishing learner autonomy in certain contexts. This review highlights gaps in the current research on GenAI's impact on agency. These findings have implications for educational policy and practice, suggesting the need for frameworks that promote equitable access while preserving learner agency in GenAI-enhanced educational environments.