The future of virtual team learning: navigating the intersection of AI and education

The paper examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in unexplored context of virtual project-based team learning. We built on relevant research developed a framework grounded in shared mental models (SMM) of AI. A multi-level, multi-stage model related AI SMM, AI interactivity, trust, and ethics to knowledge updates and learning intentions. A study of 344 graduate students in 48 online teams tested this model. Findings indicate that AI significantly improves learning outcomes in virtual teams, thus enriching the literature on human-agent teams (HATs) and virtual learning. The implications advocate for improved perceptions of AI attributes to maximize learning benefits.