Promoting Digital Education Through Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT): A Replicable Curriculum Model and Evidence of Effectiveness Chiu Fai, Li 1

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), collectively referred to as Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), has emerged as a promising pathway for digital transformation in education. However, empirical evidence demonstrating structured implementation and measurable academic impact remains limited. This study examines whether integrating a structured AIoT curriculum into a secondary school Computer Literacy course improves students’ academic performance. A randomized controlled design was adopted (N = 242; experimental group n = 121; control group n = 121). Students in the experimental group participated in a 10-cycle AIoT curriculum integrating theoretical instruction, Arduino programming, and project-based problem solving. Results from an independent-samples t test revealed a statistically significant improvement in academic performance for the experimental group, t(240) = 5.05, p < .001, with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.51). The study provides a transparent curriculum structure, assessment framework, and implementation workflow to support replicability. Findings suggest that the AIoT pathway is workable within regular school scheduling and effective in enhancing student academic outcomes.