{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,28]],"date-time":"2026-10-28T19:23:59Z","timestamp":1793215439197,"version":"4.5.0"},"reference-count":49,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,6]],"date-time":"2026-08-06T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1785974400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Psychol."],"abstract":"<jats:p>The rapid integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) into educational environments has fundamentally transformed instructional design building upon earlier AI research in educational psychology. However, there is growing concern that computational innovation is outstripping pedagogical and psychological coherence. To evaluate the intersection of AI learning environments and educational psychology, this study provides a systematic bibliometric synthesis of peer-reviewed scholarship published between 2016 and 2025. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we employed a dualpronged approach, applying multiple descriptive and analytical modeling techniques to analyze a synthetic corpus of 34 systematic review papers and an empirical corpus of 1,376 original research articles. Longitudinal results reveal an unprecedented \u201cgenerative turn\u201d and a shift in methodological maturity, moving from exploratory computational modeling to rigorous experimental and quantitative validation. Despite these advancements, our analysis identifies a persistent \u201ctheoretical gap.\u201d While the synthetic literature advocates for deep psychological grounding, empirical studies remain overwhelmingly anchored in surface-level motivational outcomes, failing to adequately operationalize complex constructs such as metacognition, epistemic beliefs, and self-regulated learning (SRL), just to name a few. We conclude that for AI to foster effective, equitable instruction and learning, it must transcend being a mere content delivery mechanism and instead function as a \u201cpsychological catalyst.\u201d By prioritizing human-centric architectures, cognitive scaffolding, identity, and critical AI literacy, this synthesis provides a structural roadmap for stakeholders to align rapid technological strides with the foundational science of learning.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1831006","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,6]],"date-time":"2026-08-06T13:59:01Z","timestamp":1786024741000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Artificial intelligence learning environments and educational psychology (2016\u20132025): a systematic bibliometric synthesis and review"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"17","author":[{"given":"Shujin","family":"Zhong","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, University of North Florida","place":["Jacksonville, FL, United States"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Jack D.","family":"Simons","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Counseling, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Mercy University","place":["Dobbs Ferry, NY, United States"]},{"name":"Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Charles University","place":["Prague, Czechia"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,6]]},"reference":[{"key":"B1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"101850","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tsc.2025.101850","article-title":"Critical literacy in artificial intelligence assisted writing instruction: a systematic review","volume":"57","author":"Arseven","year":"2025","journal-title":"Think. Skills Creat"},{"key":"B2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"225","DOI":"10.1037\/h0020791","article-title":"Computerized instruction and the learning process","volume":"23","author":"Atkinson","year":"1968","journal-title":"Am. Psychol"},{"key":"B3","first-page":"73","article-title":"\u201cComputer-assisted instruction,\u201d","volume-title":"Computer-Assisted Instruction: A Book of Readings","author":"Atkinson","year":"1969"},{"key":"B4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"9139","DOI":"10.1007\/s10639-023-12066-z","article-title":"Adaptive learning in computer science education: a scoping review","volume":"29","author":"Barbosa","year":"2024","journal-title":"Educ. Inf. Technol"},{"key":"B5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"628","DOI":"10.1002\/cae.22477","article-title":"Adaptive gamification in E-learning: a literature review and future challenges","volume":"30","author":"Bennani","year":"2022","journal-title":"Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ"},{"key":"B6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100737","DOI":"10.1016\/j.edurev.2025.100737","article-title":"Effect of generative artificial intelligence on university students learning outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"19","author":"Chen","year":"2025","journal-title":"Educ. Res. Rev"},{"key":"B7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"919","DOI":"10.1109\/TLT.2023.3341420","article-title":"A systematic review of research on immersive technology-enhanced writing education: the current state and a research agenda","volume":"17","author":"Chen","year":"2024","journal-title":"IEEE Trans. Learn. Technol"},{"key":"B8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1601","DOI":"10.1007\/s11423-025-10460-7","article-title":"Concept maps in technological contexts of higher education: a systematic review of selected SSCI publications","volume":"73","author":"Chu","year":"2025","journal-title":"Educ. Technol. Res. Dev"},{"key":"B9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1207\/s15516709cog1301_1","article-title":"The logic of plausible reasoning: a core theory","volume":"13","author":"Collins","year":"1989","journal-title":"Cogn. Sci"},{"key":"B10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2940","DOI":"10.3390\/su15042940","article-title":"A meta-analysis and systematic review of the effect of chatbot technology use in sustainable education","volume":"15","author":"Deng","year":"2023","journal-title":"Sustainability"},{"key":"B11","volume-title":"Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering","author":"Dickerson","year":"2010"},{"key":"B12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"105649","DOI":"10.1016\/j.actpsy.2025.105649","article-title":"Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on English language teaching: a meta-analysis","volume":"260","author":"Ekizer","year":"2025","journal-title":"Acta Psychol"},{"key":"B13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"14361","DOI":"10.1007\/s10639-023-11741-5","article-title":"A systematic review of artificial intelligence technologies used for story writing","volume":"28","author":"Fang","year":"2023","journal-title":"Educ. Inf. Technol"},{"key":"B14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"609","DOI":"10.1108\/ET-04-2023-0117","article-title":"Artificial intelligence for education and its emphasis on assessment and adversity quotient: a review","volume":"66","author":"Gavhane","year":"2024","journal-title":"Educ. Train"},{"key":"B15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"35","DOI":"10.1016\/S1389-0417(99)00005-4","article-title":"AutoTutor: a simulation of a human tutor","volume":"1","author":"Graesser","year":"1999","journal-title":"J. Cogn. Syst. Res"},{"key":"B16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3762","DOI":"10.3390\/electronics13183762","article-title":"Leveraging AI in e-learning: personalized learning and adaptive assessment through cognitive neuropsychology\u2013a systematic analysis","volume":"13","author":"Halkiopoulos","year":"2024","journal-title":"Electronics"},{"key":"B17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"7016","DOI":"10.3390\/su15087016","article-title":"Optimization of state of the art fuzzy-based machine learning techniques for total dissolved solids prediction","volume":"15","author":"Hijji","year":"2023","journal-title":"Sustainability"},{"key":"B18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1665","DOI":"10.1057\/s41599-025-05921-6","article-title":"The impact of technology on foreign language anxiety: a systematic review of empirical studies from 2004 to 2024","volume":"12","author":"Huang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun"},{"key":"B19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"877","DOI":"10.1109\/TLT.2025.3610636","article-title":"Exploring the development of personalizing learning in Chinese higher education: a systematic review of cognitive evolution engine by AI","volume":"18","author":"Huang","year":"2025","journal-title":"IEEE Trans. Learn. Technol"},{"key":"B20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"26","DOI":"10.1186\/s41239-025-00524-2","article-title":"Chatbots and student motivation: a scoping review","volume":"22","author":"Huang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ"},{"key":"B21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"21","DOI":"10.1038\/s41539-025-00319-0","article-title":"A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education","volume":"10","author":"Lan","year":"2025","journal-title":"NPJ Sci. Learn"},{"key":"B22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1843","DOI":"10.1007\/s11423-022-10142-8","article-title":"Impacts of an AI-based chatbot on college students' after-class review, academic performance, self-efficacy, learning attitude, and motivation","volume":"70","author":"Lee","year":"2022","journal-title":"Educ. Technol. Res. Dev"},{"key":"B23","article-title":"AI tutors are quietly changing how kids in the US study, and the leading apps are from China","author":"Liao","year":"","journal-title":"TechCrunch"},{"key":"B24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1177\/21582440241242180","article-title":"A systematic review of big data driven education evaluation","volume":"14","author":"Lin","year":"2024","journal-title":"SAGE Open"},{"key":"B25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"840","DOI":"10.3390\/systems13100840","article-title":"A systematic review of generative AI in K-12: mapping goals, activities, roles, and outcomes via the 3P model","volume":"13","author":"Lin","year":"2025","journal-title":"Systems"},{"key":"B26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1748","DOI":"10.1177\/07356331251360442","article-title":"Constructionism in K-12 AI literacy education: a systematic review of pedagogical designs, student outcomes, and learning mechanisms","volume":"63","author":"Lin","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Educ. Comput. Res"},{"key":"B27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"50","DOI":"10.1186\/s40561-024-00342-5","article-title":"Exploring the application of ChatGPT in ESL\/EFL education and related research issues: a systematic review of empirical studies","volume":"11","author":"Lo","year":"2024","journal-title":"Smart Learn. Environ"},{"key":"B28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"574","DOI":"10.1016\/j.compedu.2010.09.019","article-title":"Polite web-based intelligent tutors: can they improve learning in classrooms?","volume":"56","author":"McLaren","year":"2011","journal-title":"Comput. Educ"},{"key":"B29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1440","DOI":"10.1186\/s12909-025-08001-0","article-title":"Assessing the efficacy of the Pomodoro technique in enhancing anatomy lesson retention during study sessions: a scoping review","volume":"25","author":"Ogut","year":"2025","journal-title":"BMC Med. Educ"},{"key":"B30","volume-title":"Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Lessons Learned","author":"Psotka","year":"1988"},{"key":"B31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"109771","DOI":"10.1109\/ACCESS.2025.3582600","article-title":"A systematic review exploring AI's role in self-regulated learning within education contexts","volume":"13","author":"Ren","year":"2025","journal-title":"IEEE Access"},{"key":"B32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"611","DOI":"10.1007\/s10339-025-01273-w","article-title":"Advances in complex thinking and neurotechnologies in education: a bibliometric analysis of research trends","volume":"26","author":"Sanabria-Z","year":"2025","journal-title":"Cogn. Process"},{"key":"B33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1744","DOI":"10.1016\/j.compedu.2008.05.008","article-title":"eTeacher: providing personalized assistance to e-learning students","volume":"51","author":"Schiaffino","year":"2008","journal-title":"Comput. Educ"},{"key":"B34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"85","DOI":"10.1207\/s15326985ep4002_3","article-title":"Self-regulated learning: the educational legacy of Paul R. Pintrich","volume":"40","author":"Schunk","year":"2005","journal-title":"Educ. Psychol"},{"key":"B35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"36645","DOI":"10.1109\/ACCESS.2024.3374376","article-title":"Emotion-related pedagogical agent: a systematic literature review","volume":"12","author":"Septiana","year":"2024","journal-title":"IEEE Access"},{"key":"B36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"104564","DOI":"10.1016\/j.compedu.2022.104564","article-title":"How pedagogical agents communicate with students: a two-phase systematic review","volume":"188","author":"Sikstr\u00f6m","year":"2022","journal-title":"Comput. Educ"},{"key":"B37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"70","DOI":"10.1016\/j.lcsi.2017.10.009","article-title":"Deconflating the ZPD and instructional scaffolding: retranslating and reconceiving the zone of proximal development as the zone of next development","volume":"16","author":"Smagorinsky","year":"2018","journal-title":"Learn. Cult. Soc. Interact"},{"key":"B38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"9826","DOI":"10.3390\/app15179826","article-title":"Embedding digital technologies (AI and ICT) into physical education: a systematic review of innovations, pedagogical impact, and challenges","volume":"15","author":"Tohanean","year":"2025","journal-title":"Appl. Sci"},{"key":"B39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"197","DOI":"10.1080\/00461520.2011.611369","article-title":"The relative effectiveness of human tutoring, intelligent tutoring systems, and other tutoring systems","volume":"46","author":"VanLehn","year":"2011","journal-title":"Educ. Psychol"},{"key":"B40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"139","DOI":"10.1080\/02188791.2024.2305156","article-title":"Critical analysis of the technological affordances, challenges and future directions of Generative AI in education: a systematic review","volume":"44","author":"Wang","year":"2024","journal-title":"Asia Pac. J. Educ"},{"key":"B41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"40","DOI":"10.1186\/s41239-024-00468-z","article-title":"A scoping review on how generative artificial intelligence transforms assessment in higher education","volume":"21","author":"Xia","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ"},{"key":"B42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100744","DOI":"10.1016\/j.edurev.2025.100744","article-title":"Unveiling the effects of GenAI on motivation of learning English as a second\/foreign language: evidence from meta-analysis","volume":"49","author":"Xiong","year":"2025","journal-title":"Educ. Res. Rev"},{"key":"B43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.4018\/JGIM.386381","article-title":"A systematic review of AI ethics in education: challenges, policy gaps, and future directions","volume":"33","author":"Yan","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Glob. Inf. Manag"},{"key":"B44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"17995","DOI":"10.1007\/s10639-025-13417-8","article-title":"AI-supported L2 vocabulary acquisition\u2013a systematic review from 2015 to 2023","volume":"30","author":"Yang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Educ. Inf. Technol"},{"key":"B45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"489","DOI":"10.1057\/s41599-024-02987-6","article-title":"A systematic review of stimulated recall (SR) in educational research from 2012 to 2022","volume":"11","author":"Zhai","year":"2024","journal-title":"Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun"},{"key":"B46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1137","DOI":"10.1080\/10494820.2022.2115077","article-title":"A systematic literature review of game-based learning in artificial intelligence education","volume":"32","author":"Zhan","year":"2024","journal-title":"Interact. Learn. Environ"},{"key":"B47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"106","DOI":"10.1007\/s10648-025-10086-4","article-title":"Emotional artificial intelligence in education: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"37","author":"Zhang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Educ. Psychol. Rev"},{"key":"B48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"160","DOI":"10.3390\/jintelligence13120160","article-title":"Does generative artificial intelligence improve students' higher-order thinking? A meta-analysis based on 29 experiments and quasi-experiments","volume":"13","author":"Zhao","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Intell"},{"key":"B49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"101039","DOI":"10.1016\/j.iheduc.2025.101039","article-title":"The affordances of artificial intelligence (AI) and ethical considerations across the instruction cycle: a systematic review of AI in online higher education","volume":"67","author":"Zhuang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Internet High. Educ"}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Psychology"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1831006\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,6]],"date-time":"2026-08-06T13:59:02Z","timestamp":1786024742000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1831006\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,6]]},"references-count":49,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1831006"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2026.1831006","relation":{},"ISSN":["1664-1078"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1664-1078","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,6]]},"article-number":"1831006"}}