NURSING STUDENTS' 21ST-CENTURY LEARNER SKILLS AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARD ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Figen Çalışkan, Aliye Çayır

Journal of Education and Research in Nursing - 2026;23(2):119-122

Department of Nursing Education, Trakya University Faculty of Health Sciences, Edirne, Türkiye

 

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly become integrated into education and healthcare, as it has in many areas of modern life. Contemporary learners are considered 21st-century learners, and AI is beginning to play a significant role in nursing education. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between nursing students' 21st-century learner skills and their attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Methods: This correlational study included 354 nursing students. Data were collected using an Information Form, the 21st-Century Learner Skills Utilization Scale, and the General Attitude Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale. Data collection was conducted face-to-face by the researchers. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Of the participants, 83.9% were female, and the mean age was 20.54+/-2.67 years. The mean score for the positive attitude subscale of the General Attitude Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale was 3.64+/-0.56, while the mean score for the negative attitude subscale was 3.01+/-0.69. Students' use of 21st-century learner skills was above the moderate level (3.68+/-0.44). A positive correlation was found between students' positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence and their use of 21st-century learner skills. Conclusion: Integrating artificial intelligence into nursing education programs, in alignment with the structure of the discipline, may support the development of various 21st-century skills by leveraging the opportunities provided by AI.