Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable and Creative Learning: Effects of Creative Learning and AI Literacy in Military Higher Education

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into higher education; however, limited empirical evidence explains how technology-acceptance perceptions are linked to sustainable learning outcomes through Creative Learning, AI Literacy, and Ethical Awareness, particularly in military higher education. This study examines the relationships among AI Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, AI System Quality, Creative Learning, AI Literacy, Ethical Awareness, and Sustainable Learning Outcomes by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model, Constructivist Learning Theory, and the Sustainable Education Framework. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 undergraduate cadets at the Lithuanian Military Academy. The proposed model was evaluated using covariance-based structural equation modelling, bootstrap mediation analysis, moderation analysis, and one-way analysis of variance. The results provide substantial support for the proposed relationships. AI Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use were positively related to Creative Learning, while AI System Quality was positively related to AI Literacy. Creative Learning and AI Literacy, in turn, showed significant positive relationships with Sustainable Learning Outcomes. Creative Learning partially mediated the relationship between AI Perceived Usefulness and Sustainable Learning Outcomes, whereas AI Literacy mediated the relationship between AI System Quality and Sustainable Learning Outcomes. Ethical Awareness showed both a significant direct relationship with Sustainable Learning Outcomes and a moderating effect on the Creative Learning–Sustainable Learning Outcomes relationship. Significant differences were also observed across academic-year cohorts. Overall, the findings extend technology-acceptance research by showing how pedagogical, competency-related, and ethical dimensions are jointly related to Sustainable Learning Outcomes in military higher education.