Pemanfaatan Artificial Intelligence dalam Pembelajaran Ekonomi: Eksplorasi Literasi Ekonomi dan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Mahasiswa Pendidikan Ekonomi Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh

Abstract

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education has changed the way students access information and understand learning materials. This study aims to explore students' experiences in utilizing AI in economics learning, particularly in supporting economic literacy and critical thinking skills. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving Economics Education students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed through data condensation, coding, data presentation, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that students utilize AI to search for information, understand economic concepts, summarize learning materials, obtain examples, and support academic tasks. The use of AI facilitates broader access to economic information and supports students' understanding of learning materials. Furthermore, AI can encourage critical thinking when students compare, evaluate, and verify AI-generated information. However, excessive use of AI without adequate verification may lead to dependency and reduce students' learning autonomy. Therefore, the use of AI in economics learning needs to be guided critically, reflectively, ethically, and responsibly to support the development of students' economic literacy and critical thinking skills.