Academic motivation, academic buoyancy, and language development in AI-supported learning environments: a SEM analysis of the roles of digital informal learning and digital competence

In the digital era, informal learning through online platforms has become increasingly prominent among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. This study investigates the impact of digital informal learning and digital competence on language development, academic buoyancy, and academic motivation. Despite the growing body of research on digital learning environments, the interrelationships among these factors in EFL contexts remain underexplored. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was conducted using data from 367 EFL learners in Iran. The findings revealed that digital informal learning significantly enhanced language development by fostering academic motivation and buoyancy. Strong correlations were observed among academic buoyancy, academic motivation, language development, and digital competence. These results underscore the potential of digital tools to create engaging and supportive learning environments, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance language learning outcomes in digital contexts.