SINTA

3.2

Impact

Scholar

11

H-Index

Journal of Social Knowledge Education (JSKE)

an Open Access Journal

The Influence of AI Training Program and AI Literacy on Ethical AI Use among AI-Trained Undergraduate Students: Evidence from Higher Education in Cambodia

Chhayna Cheng
BELTEI International University
Cambodia
chhaynacheng@gmail.com
Borey Ngoeurn
BELTEI International University
Cambodia
Share

  • Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the relationships among AI training program, AI literacy, and ethical AI use among AI-trained undergraduate students in Cambodia. Specifically, it examines the effects of AI training program on AI literacy and ethical AI use, as well as the mediating role of AI literacy.

    Methodology: A quantitative correlational research design was employed using data collected from 300 AI-trained undergraduate students at BELTEI International University through convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and SmartPLS. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to assess the measurement model, structural model, and mediation effect.

    Main Findings: The findings found that AI training program significantly enhanced AI literacy and ethical AI use, while AI literacy positively influenced ethical AI use. The structural model explained 33.7% of the variance in AI literacy and 45.4% of the variance in ethical AI use. Additionally, AI literacy significantly mediated the relationship between the AI training program and ethical AI use.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: This study contributes to responsible AI education in Cambodian higher education by integrating AI training program, AI literacy, and ethical AI use into a PLS-SEM model. It highlights AI literacy as a significant mechanism linking AI training experiences with ethical AI use among undergraduate students. The study extends social science education research by emphasizing the role of higher education in enhancing students’ AI-related knowledge and ethical technology practices. The findings also provide implications for educators and institutions designing AI training programs that promote both technological competence and ethical AI use. Future studies are encouraged to extend this model by examining additional factors and diverse educational contexts.

  • How to cite

    [1]
    C. Cheng and B. Ngoeurn, “The Influence of AI Training Program and AI Literacy on Ethical AI Use among AI-Trained Undergraduate Students: Evidence from Higher Education in Cambodia”, Jo. Soc. Know. Ed, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 553–566, Jul. 2026, doi: 10.37251/jske.v7i4.3683.

    More Citation Formats

  • 36
    Abstract views
    25
    Downloads

    Metrics — Badges

    1. M. Younas, A. Shoukat, and T. Mahmood, "Students' awareness and perception regarding the usage of AI in education at Government College University, Faisalabad," Journal of Social Sciences Advancement, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 80–85, 2024, doi: 10.52223/JSSA24-050410-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52223/JSSA24-050410-106
    2. A. Jeilani and S. Abubakar, "Perceived institutional support and its effects on student perceptions of AI learning in higher education: The role of mediating perceived learning outcomes and moderating technology self-efficacy," Frontiers in Education, vol. 10, Art. no. 1548900, 2025, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1548900. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1548900
    3. P. B. Rangavittal, "Transforming higher education with artificial intelligence: Benefits, challenges, and future directions," International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 1635–1642, 2024, doi: 10.53469/jrve.2024.06(08).13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21275/SR24525214415
    4. D. Kalniņa, D. Nimante, and S. Baranova, "Artificial intelligence for higher education: Benefits and challenges for pre-service teachers," Frontiers in Education, vol. 9, Art. no. 1501819, 2024, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1501819. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1501819
    5. A. M. Vieriu and G. Petrea, "The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on students' academic development," Education Sciences, vol. 15, no. 3, Art. no. 343, 2025, doi: 10.3390/educsci15030343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030343
    6. Y. Yan, B. Wu, J. Pi, and X. Zhang, "Perceptions of AI in higher education: Insights from students at a top-tier Chinese university," Education Sciences, vol. 15, no. 6, Art. no. 735, 2025, doi: 10.3390/educsci15060735. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15060735
    7. Y. Fernando and Y. Li, "Responsible AI usage for academic integrity in China," Foresight, vol. 27, no. 6, pp. 1158–1178, 2025, doi: 10.1108/FS-05-2024-0095. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-05-2024-0095
    8. N. H. Al-Kumaim, S. H. Hassan, F. Mohammed, and A. Y. Saleh, "Navigating GenAI in Malaysian universities: Use, problems, and challenges," in Proc. 2025 5th International Conference on Emerging Smart Technologies and Applications (eSmarTA), Aug. 2025, pp. 1–7, doi: 10.1109/eSmarTA66764.2025.11132252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/eSmarTA66764.2025.11132252
    9. M. Arif, L. Zhao, X. Zou, K. Li, Z. Chen, Y. Ai, and M. Tian, "Ethics training competencies and leadership enable responsible AI in hospitality and tourism," iScience, vol. 29, no. 3, Art. no. 115134, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.115134
    10. A. Markus, J. Pfister, A. Carolus, A. Hotho, and C. Wienrich, "Effects of AI understanding-training on AI literacy, usage, self-determined interactions, and anthropomorphization with voice assistants," Computers and Education Open, vol. 6, Art. no. 100176, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100176
    11. M. Sloane and J. Zakrzewski, "German AI start-ups and 'AI ethics': Using a social practice lens for assessing and implementing socio-technical innovation," in Proc. 2022 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAccT '22), Jun. 2022, pp. 935–947, doi: 10.1145/3531146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3531146.3533156
    12. N. Febrianti, A. N. Diandra, A. N. Awalia, D. Fadhilatunisa, and M. M. Fakhri, "AI awareness, literacy, and social influence predict ethical reasoning and responsible use in higher education," Artificial Intelligence in Lifelong and Life-Course Education, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 40–52, 2026, doi: 10.66053/aillce.v1i2.17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66053/aillce.v1i2.17
    13. V. Kuleto, M. Ilić, M. Dumangiu, M. Ranković, O. M. D. Martins, D. Păun, and L. Mihoreanu, "Exploring opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and machine learning in higher education institutions," Sustainability, vol. 13, no. 18, Art. no. 10424, 2021, doi: 10.3390/su13181042. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810424
    14. D. Y. Long, S. Wang, S. M. Rashid, and X. T. Lu, "Artificial intelligence in higher education: A systematic review of its impact on student engagement and the mediating role of teaching methods," Frontiers in Education, vol. 10, Art. no. 1648661, 2026, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1648661. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1648661
    15. R. Kelly, "Survey: 86% of students already use AI in their studies," Campus Technology, Aug. 28, 2024.
    16. A. Arowosegbe, J. S. Alqahtani, and T. Oyelade, "Perception of generative AI use in UK higher education," Frontiers in Education, vol. 9, Art. no. 1463208, 2024, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1463208. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1463208
    17. O. G. Osang, S. P. Idiong, and M. E. Akanimoh, "Unethical issues in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among undergraduates in public universities of Cross River State, Nigeria," Journal of Humanities and Social Policy, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 136–146, 2025, doi: 10.56201/jhsp.vol.11.no5.2025.pg136.146.
    18. Y. Xue, V. Chinapah, and C. Zhu, "A comparative analysis of AI privacy concerns in higher education: News coverage in China and Western countries," Education Sciences, vol. 15, no. 6, Art. no. 650, 2025, doi: 10.3390/educsci15060650. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15060650
    19. Y. Yaacob, M. M. Mahmud, R. Ahmad, M. S. M. A'seri, and N. I. Mustamam, "Concerns and ethical awareness of university students towards the use of generative AI," in Proc. 2025 International Conference on Education Technology and Computers (ICETC), Sep. 2025, pp. 585–590, doi: 10.1109/ICETC66579.2025.11387607. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICETC66579.2025.11387607
    20. X. O'Dea, R. Bale, Y.-L. T. Chiu, K. Suleymenova, A. Tinker, and R. Stoker, "Ethical uses of generative AI in assessment: Student perceptions in UK contexts," Evaluation Review, early access, 2025, doi: 10.1177/0193841X251399712. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0193841X251399712
    21. M. Rožman, D. Oreški, A. A. Elias, M. F. Pynadath, and P. Tominc, "AI literacy among university students: A comparative study of three countries—Slovenia, Croatia, and India," IEEE Access, vol. 13, no. 99, pp. 110671–110688, 2025, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3581128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3581128
    22. Y. Sun, L. Li, X. Zhang, X. Chen, S. Deng, and X. Hu, "AI literacy and psychosocial factors shaping Chinese university students' attitudes and behavioral intentions toward generative AI use," BMC Psychology, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1–16, 2026, doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-03989-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-03989-6
    23. G. M. Saputra, E. W. Tambunan, A. N. Dwiani, D. M. Jannah, and S. Mohammed, "Ethical awareness, perceived usefulness, and AI literacy predict university students' intentions to use AI tools," Artificial Intelligence in Lifelong and Life-Course Education, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 27–39, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66053/aillce.v1i2.16
    24. education: An exploration of Cambodian EFL university students' experiences, perceptions, and attitudes," SSRN, pp. 1–36, 2024, doi: 10.2139/ssrn.4687461. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4687461
    25. H. Hoeurng, P. Phorn, S. Kheav, and R. Sam, "Integrating artificial intelligence in higher education: A case study of Cambodian universities," European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 462–473, 2024, doi: 10.59324/ejtas.2024.2(5).47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2024.2(5).47
    26. B. Loeung and P. Ros, "The correlational study of artificial intelligence in education on students' outcomes: A study of higher education in a private university, Phnom Penh, Cambodia," Srawung: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 1–21, 2024, doi: 10.56943/jssh.v3i4.615. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56943/jssh.v3i4.615
    27. S. Huot and S. Loch, "Educating in the age of AI: Preparing Cambodian teachers and students for an AI-augmented learning future," Journal of Educational Technology and E-Learning Innovations, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 31–38, 2025, doi: 10.54536/jeteli.v1i2.5170. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/jeteli.v1i2.5170
    28. A. Bandura, Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA: Prentice-Hall, 1986.
    29. D. Long and B. Magerko, "What is AI literacy? Competencies and design considerations," in Proc. 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2020, pp. 1–16, doi: 10.1145/3313831.3376727. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3313831.3376727
    30. T. K. F. Chiu, Z. Ahmad, M. Ismailov, and I. T. Sanusi, "What are artificial intelligence literacy and competency? A comprehensive framework to support them," Computers and Education Open, vol. 6, Art. no. 100171, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100171. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100171
    31. D. Pramod, "Decoding responsible AI use: The influence of digital literacy and ethical awareness," Cogent Education, vol. 12, no. 1, Art. no. 2592371, pp. 1–14, 2025, doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2025.2592371. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2592371
    32. M. Adamoli, M. Marangi, M. Rondonotti, and P. Raviolo, "AI literacy: An explorative analysis of Italian university students' perceptions of AI skills," Italian Journal of Health Education, Sport and Inclusive Didactics, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–17, 2025, doi: 10.32043/gsd.v9i1.1321.
    33. A. Bewersdorff, M. Hornberger, C. Nerdel, and D. S. Schiff, "AI advocates and cautious critics: How AI attitudes, AI interest, use of AI, and AI literacy build university students' AI self-efficacy," Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, vol. 8, no. 1, Art. no. 100340, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100340. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100340
    34. M. Hornberger, A. Bewersdorff, D. S. Schiff, and C. Nerdel, "A multinational assessment of AI literacy among university students in Germany, the UK, and the US," Computers in Human Behavior: Artificial Humans, vol. 4, no. 6, Art. no. 100132, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.chbah.2025.100132. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbah.2025.100132
    35. A. Florendo, Jr., "The mediating role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy in graduate seminar coursework and ethical preparedness: Insights from the graduate students," Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 302–312, 2026, doi: 10.69569/jip.2025.698. DOI: https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2025.698
    36. J. Matthee and G. Stopforth, "The importance of ethical and responsible AI training in law schools to avoid career-ending pitfalls for aspiring legal practitioners," Journal for Juridical Science, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 49–67, 2025, doi: 10.38140/jjs.v50i1.9302. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38140/jjs.v50i1.9302
    37. L. S. Treiman, C.-J. Ho, and W. Kool, "The consequences of AI training on human decision-making," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 121, no. 33, Art. no. e2408731121, 2024, doi: 10.1073/pnas.2408731121. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2408731121
    38. S. Bećirović, M. Augustín, B. Mattoš, and J. Dančo, "Uncovering structural relationships between AI literacy, AI ethics, AI problem-solving, and self-regulated learning," Discover Computing, vol. 29, Art. no. 152, 2026, doi: 10.1007/s10791-026-10042-y. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10791-026-10042-y
    39. J. Wang and Y. Cao, "The mediating role of artificial intelligence literacy in the path from artificial intelligence-empowered informal digital learning of English to intercultural communicative competence," in Proc. 2026 3rd International Conference on Informatics Education and Computer Technology Applications (IECA 2026), 2026, pp. 1–6, doi: 10.1145/3802133.3802164. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3802133.3802164
    40. W. G. Cochran, Sampling Techniques, 3rd ed. New York, NY, USA: John Wiley & Sons, 1977.
    41. J. F. Hair, W. C. Black, B. J. Babin, and R. E. Anderson, Multivariate Data Analysis, 7th ed. Harlow, U.K.: Pearson Education, 2014.
    42. J. F. Hair, G. T. M. Hult, C. M. Ringle, and M. Sarstedt, A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Sage, 2022, doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-80519-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80519-7
    43. E. N. Nyutu, W. W. Cobern, and B. A.-S. Pleasants, "Correlational study of student perceptions of their undergraduate laboratory environment with respect to gender and major," International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (IJEMST), vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 83–102, 2021, doi: 10.46328/ijemst.1182. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.1182
    44. D. George and P. Mallery, IBM SPSS Statistics 29 Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Reference, 18th ed. New York, NY, USA: Routledge, 2024, doi: 10.4324/9781032622156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032622156
    45. C. K. Y. Chan, "A comprehensive AI policy education framework for university teaching and learning," International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 1–25, 2023, doi: 10.1186/s41239-023-00408-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00408-3
    46. J.-P. Deranty and T. Corbin, "Artificial intelligence and work: A critical review of recent research from the social sciences," AI & Society, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 675–691, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s00146-022-01496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-022-01496-x
    47. W. Promma, N. Imjai, B. Usman, and S. Aujirapongpan, "The influence of AI literacy on complex problem-solving skills through systematic thinking skills and intuition thinking skills: An empirical study in Thai Gen Z accounting students," Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, vol. 8, Art. no. 100382, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100382. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100382
    48. D. Groth, S. Hartmann, S. Klie, and J. Selbig, "Principal components analysis," in Computational Toxicology: Volume II, B. Reisfeld and A. N. Mayeno, Eds., vol. 930, Methods in Molecular Biology. New York, NY, USA: Springer, 2013, pp. 527–547, doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-059-5_22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-059-5_22
    49. J. F. Hair, J. J. Risher, M. Sarstedt, and C. M. Ringle, "When to use and how to report the results of PLS-SEM," European Business Review, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 2–24, 2019, doi: 10.1108/EBR-11-2018-0203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-11-2018-0203
    50. G. Hutcheson and N. Sofroniou, The Multivariate Social Scientist: Introductory Statistics Using Generalized Linear Models. London, U.K.: Sage Publications, 1999, doi: 10.4135/9780857028075. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9780857028075
    51. B. Gharaibeh, A. M. Al-Smadi, and D. Boyle, "Psychometric properties and characteristics of the Diabetes Self-Management Scale," International Journal of Nursing Sciences, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 252–259, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2017.04.001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2017.04.001
    52. P. M. Podsakoff, S. B. MacKenzie, J. Y. Lee, and N. P. Podsakoff, "Common method biases in behavioral research: A critical review of the literature and recommended remedies," Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 88, no. 5, pp. 879–903, 2003, doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.879. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.879
    53. J. Cohen, Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences, 2nd ed. New York, NY, USA: Routledge, 1988, doi: 10.4324/9780203771587. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203771587
    54. C. Fornell and D. F. Larcker, "Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error," Journal of Marketing Research, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 39–50, 1981, doi: 10.2307/3151312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104
    55. J. Henseler, C. M. Ringle, and M. Sarstedt, "A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 115–135, 2015, doi: 10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8
    56. N. Kock, "Common method bias in PLS-SEM: A full collinearity assessment approach," International Journal of e-Collaboration, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 1–10, 2015, doi: 10.4018/ijec.2015100101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/ijec.2015100101