Examining adult learners’ use of artificial intelligence for lifelong learning in Philippine higher education: An interdisciplinary empirical study

Felixberto M. Mercado; Joanne C. Rivera; Flormando P. Baldovino

doi:10.32674/jfrs6f53

Authors

Felixberto M. Mercado Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3845-7471
Joanne C. Rivera Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, South La Union Campus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8661-4967
Flormando P. Baldovino Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8964-5291

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jfrs6f53

Keywords:

adult learners, artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, SEM

Abstract

This interdisciplinary empirical study examined adult learners’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) for lifelong learning in Philippine higher education. Using a cross-sectional survey and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study found that Access and Inclusivity was the strongest predictor of AI use. Learning Experience and Engagement also had a significant positive relationship with AI use but contributed less than Access and Inclusivity to predicting adult learners’ AI use. The findings highlight the interdisciplinary nature of AI-supported lifelong learning across diverse learner contexts. The study implies that higher education institutions offering lifelong learning programs should prioritize equitable access to AI technologies to promote inclusive, accessible, and sustainable lifelong learning systems for adult learners.

Author Biographies

Felixberto M. Mercado, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

FELIXBERTO M. MERCADO, PhD is the Dean of the Dr. Cesar A. Villariba Research and Knowledge Management Institute at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City, Philippines. As principal investigator, he has led and successfully completed several multi-million-peso research projects funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines. He is a regular member of Division I of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). Dr. Mercado’s research interests include lifelong learning, adult education, micro-credentials, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance in education. In 2018, he undertook advanced training in Adult Education at the University of Toronto. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Linguistics. He may be contacted at felixmercado@mseuf.edu.ph.
Joanne C. Rivera, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, South La Union Campus

JOANNE C. RIVERA, PhD is Professor VI at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University–South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC), Philippines. She holds a Ph.D. in Development Administration, completed the Leadership and Management Certificate Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Senior Executives Class (Batch 15) of the Development Academy of the Philippines. Her expertise spans adult education, lifelong learning, governance, public management, and institutional development, informed by her service as Executive Director of the DMMMSU Open University System (2019–2021) and Chancellor of DMMMSU-SLUC (2021–2026). Through her leadership and research, she has advanced evidence-based governance, digital transformation, and innovative management systems that strengthen accountability, quality assurance, and institutional excellence in Philippine higher education. Her email address is jrivera@dmmmsu.edu.ph.
Flormando P. Baldovino, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

Flormando P. Baldovino is the Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, in Lucena City, Philippines. He specializes in structural equation modeling (SEM), which he applies extensively in his research. He also serves as a trainer in SEM, mentoring students and researchers in advanced quantitative methods.

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