<!DOCTYPE article PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD JATS (Z39.96) Journal Archiving and Interchange DTD v1.0 20120330//EN" "JATS-archivearticle1.dtd">
<article xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <front>
    <journal-meta />
    <article-meta>
      <title-group>
        <article-title>Enhance Student Well-being and Digital Literacy with Machine Learning and Spatial Analysis</article-title>
      </title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Fabrizio Benelli</string-name>
          <email>fabrizio.benelli@gmail.com</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Erdet Këlliçi</string-name>
          <email>erdet.kellici@tbu.edu.al</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Franco Maciariello</string-name>
          <email>franco.maciariello@studenti.unimercatorum.it</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Claudio Salvadori</string-name>
          <email>claudio.salvadori@ngs-sensors.it</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff0">0</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <string-name>Vittorio Stile</string-name>
          <email>vittoriostile@gmail.com</email>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <aff id="aff0">
          <label>0</label>
          <institution>New Generation Sensors srl</institution>
          ,
          <addr-line>Via Cisanello 38, Pisa (PI), 56124</addr-line>
          ,
          <country country="IT">Italy</country>
        </aff>
        <aff id="aff1">
          <label>1</label>
          <institution>Tirana Business University College, Rruga Rezervat e Shtetit</institution>
          ,
          <addr-line>Tiranë, 1023</addr-line>
          ,
          <country country="AL">Albania</country>
        </aff>
        <aff id="aff2">
          <label>2</label>
          <institution>Universitas Mercatorum</institution>
          ,
          <addr-line>Piazza Mattei 10, Rome, 00186</addr-line>
          ,
          <country country="IT">Italy</country>
        </aff>
      </contrib-group>
      <pub-date>
        <year>2025</year>
      </pub-date>
      <abstract>
        <p>Advanced data analytics and machine learning can reshape the way schools cultivate both digital skills and student well-being. We analysed data from three Italian high-school classes ( = 64), combining random-forest and neural-network predictors with Spatial Autoregressive and Geographically Weighted Regression models. The approach captures how individual attributes, classroom geography and peer interactions jointly influence learning. Average grades rose from 5.34 to 6.15 and well-being scores from 0.48 to 0.95 over one semester. Spatial estimates ( = 0.31,  &lt; 0.01 ) show that sitting next to high achievers yields a mean gain of 0.38 grade points, while local pockets of well-being amplify the efect of digital -literacy growth on performance. The results may support that digital-literacy interventions, when delivered in spatially aware learning environments, produce measurable academic and afective benefits. The study ofers a reproducible pipeline that blends machine -learning prediction with spatial econometrics and provides evidence to guide data-driven, equitable strategies for classroom design, teacher training and student support.</p>
      </abstract>
      <kwd-group>
        <kwd>eol&gt;Digital literacy</kwd>
        <kwd>Machine learning</kwd>
        <kwd>Student well-being</kwd>
        <kwd>Spatial econometrics</kwd>
        <kwd>Educational analytics</kwd>
      </kwd-group>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
  <body>
    <sec id="sec-1">
      <title>1. Introduction</title>
      <p>
        Numerous applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have emerged in education. For example, Khan
Academy’s Khanmigo, powered by GPT-4, is already being piloted as an AI tutor that delivers
personalised feedback and Socratic scafolding across subjects such as mathematics and language learning [
        <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1">1</xref>
        ].
Similarly, Duolingo uses sophisticated AI systems to enhance language-learning experiences.
      </p>
      <p>
        In educational robotics, SoftBank Robotics’ Nao and Pepper robots are increasingly adopted as social
tutors for language learning, highlighting the promise of robot-assisted language education [
        <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2">2</xref>
        ]. The
ifeld of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) is rapidly evolving, attracting significant investments.
The global AIED market, valued at $1.82 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a compound annual
growth rate of 36% from 2022 to 2030 [3].
      </p>
      <p>Recent studies show AI-enabled adaptive learning improves student test outcomes by 62%, and
general AI use enhances performance by 30% while reducing anxiety by 20% [4]. Research on AIED has
surged, exploring design, efectiveness, and outcomes [5].</p>
      <p>These trends motivate continued research on efective, ethical, and equitable AI integration. Parallel
evidence from innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)s shows that technology-driven
cultures accelerate adoption curves and learning cycles [6].
2nd Workshop on Education for Artificial Intelligence (edu4AI 2025, https:// edu4ai.di.unito.it/ ), Co-located with ECAI 2025, the
28th European Conference on Artificial Intelligence which will take place on October 26, 2025 in Bologna, Italy
* Corresponding author.</p>
      <p>The ongoing development of AI technologies highlights their potential to foster innovative
pedagogical strategies and may improve educational outcomes, emphasizing the need for persistent research
and investment in this dynamic and impactful field.</p>
      <sec id="sec-1-1">
        <title>1.1. Research Objectives and Hypotheses</title>
        <p>This study aims to explore how advanced data analytics and Machine Learning (ML) can inform
educational settings, focusing on spatial statistical analysis. We investigate how digital literacy and
student well-being propagate within student communities influenced by physical proximity and digital
interactions.</p>
        <p>By leveraging advanced data analytics and ML, we aim to provide empirical insights to guide
educational strategies and interventions tailored to enhance digital literacy and well-being across varied
educational landscapes.</p>
        <p>• Improvements in digital literacy are associated with students’ academic performance and overall
well-being [7, 8].
• Spatial factors, such as classroom arrangement and digital interactions, crucially influence
educational outcomes, reflecting spatial dependencies and spillover efects [9].</p>
        <p>We employ a combination of traditional statistical techniques and ML models, including spatial
econometric models like the Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) model, to examine these hypotheses (refer
to methodology section for details). This integrated approach provides a comprehensive framework
for understanding the dynamics of digital literacy and student well-being in educational settings,
contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this field.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-2">
      <title>2. Literature Review</title>
      <p>The integration of Big Data and AI in education is transforming how educational content is delivered,
personalized, and assessed. These technologies enable the collection and analysis of vast amounts of
data, ofering deeper insights into student performance, engagement, and well-being [ 10, 11]. AI-driven
analytics can enhance educational experiences by providing personalized learning paths and real-time
feedback.</p>
      <p>Big Data in education aggregates diverse data sources, such as student demographics, academic
records, and interaction logs. This allows educators to identify at-risk students, tailor interventions,
and predict performance outcomes [12]. Predictive analytics is crucial for developing strategies that
address individual student needs, thereby improving overall educational outcomes [13].</p>
      <p>Beyond personalized learning, AI can automate administrative tasks like grading and attendance
tracking, improving operational eficiency [ 14]. AI and Big Data can also help bridge educational
inequalities by providing scalable educational resources, reaching underserved and remote areas [15]. During
the COVID-19 pandemic, AI-enabled online learning platforms maintained educational continuity,
demonstrating their resilience [16].</p>
      <p>AI and Big Data also contribute to educational research by enabling the analysis of large datasets,
revealing complex educational phenomena and insights [9]. However, integrating AI in education requires
addressing ethical considerations, including data privacy and the digital divide [17, 18]. Explainable AI
has been proposed as a key enabler of transparency and fairness [19].</p>
      <p>The role of Big Data and AI in education is multifaceted, enhancing personalized learning,
administrative eficiency, and educational equity. Continued research and investment in these technologies are
essential for realizing their full potential in transforming education.</p>
      <sec id="sec-2-1">
        <title>2.1. Previous Research on Spatial Efects in Educational Settings</title>
        <p>Research on spatial efects in education focuses on how physical and digital learning environments
influence outcomes like student performance, engagement, and well-being. Using Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and spatial econometric models, such as the SAR model and Geographically
Weighted Regression (GWR), provides insights into these spatial dependencies and interactions [9].</p>
        <p>Studies have shown that classroom design elements, including lighting, acoustics, and seating
arrangements, may impact academic performance and engagement [20]. Additionally, interactions
within virtual classrooms can influence student engagement and learning outcomes [21].</p>
        <p>Our study builds on this research by examining both physical and digital spatial efects in education.
Using spatial econometric models, we analyze how proximity to peers and digital resources impacts
academic performance and well-being. Findings indicate that peer interactions and spatial dynamics
play crucial roles in educational outcomes, with high-performing peers positively influencing their
classmates’ performance [22].</p>
        <p>Addressing the digital divide and geographic disparities in access to educational resources is also
essential for minimizing inequalities and maximizing the benefits of spatially aware educational
interventions. Our research contributes empirical evidence on these spatial dependencies and knowledge
spillover efects, informing the design of efective and inclusive educational spaces.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-3">
      <title>3. Methodology</title>
      <sec id="sec-3-1">
        <title>3.1. Data Collection: Integration of Big Data Techniques</title>
        <p>Our data collection leveraged Big Data techniques to ensure comprehensive and detailed datasets. We
gathered information from three high school classes, including demographics, academic performance
records, digital literacy assess-ments, and well-being surveys. This multi-faceted approach provided a
holistic view of students’ educational experiences and outcomes.</p>
        <p>We used Learning Management System (LMS) to track student interactions, participation in online
activities, and assignment submissions. These systems provided detailed logs essential for analyzing
digital literacy and its impact on educational outcomes. Standardized academic performance assessments
conducted during the study period allowed us to track changes in student performance over time.</p>
        <p>Digital literacy assessments evaluated students’ proficiency in using digital tools, covering skills
like basic computer operations and online safety. Well-being surveys measured students’ emotional
and psychological states, social interactions, and satisfaction with their learning environments at the
beginning and end of the study period.</p>
        <p>To ensure data integrity and reliability, we implemented rigorous validation and cleaning procedures,
cross-referencing multiple sources and anonymizing data to protect student privacy. By integrating
traditional data collection methods with digital tools, we captured a comprehensive picture of students’
educational experiences, providing a solid foundation for our subsequent analysis using ML and spatial
econometric models (refer to methodology section for details).</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-3-2">
        <title>3.2. Analytical Methods: ML and Spatial Econometrics</title>
        <p>Our study combines ML and spatial econometric techniques to explore the relationships between digital
literacy, student well-being, and educational outcomes. This approach allows for a comprehensive
analysis, capturing both predictive power and spatial dependencies.</p>
        <p>We employed several ML algorithms, including random forests (RFs), neural networks, and K-means
clustering. RFs predicted academic performance and well-being, identifying significant predictors [ 12].
Neural networks captured nonlinear relationships within the data [23]. K-means clustering segmented
students into groups based on digital literacy, well-being, and performance, facilitating targeted
interventions [24].</p>
        <p>In addition, spatial econometric models examined spatial dependencies. The SAR model analyzed the
impact of physical proximity to high-performing peers on academic performance, accounting for spatial
autocorrelation [22]. GWR explored the spatial variability in relationships between digital literacy and
educational outcomes, providing local insights [9].</p>
        <p>By integrating these methods, we achieved a robust framework for understanding the multifaceted
impacts of digital literacy on student well-being and performance. This comprehensive approach
enhances the accuracy and depth of our findings, informing targeted educational interventions and
policy decisions.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-3-3">
        <title>3.3. Variables and Model Specifications</title>
        <p>The robustness and accuracy of our study depend on the careful selection of variables and precise
model specifications. Our dataset comprises information from three high school classes, encompassing
a total of 64 students. The dataset includes comprehensive details such as student demographics (age
and gender), academic performance records, digital literacy assessments, and well-being surveys. This
provides a useful basis for describing the dynamics influencing digital literacy, student well-being, and
educational outcomes.</p>
        <p>We utilized ML models such as RFs, neural networks, and K-means clustering. RFs, specified with
500 trees and optimized using cross-validation, were used to predict academic performance and
wellbeing [12]. Neural networks, featuring a feedforward model with three hidden layers, captured nonlinear
relationships within the data [23]. K-means clustering, with the optimal number of clusters determined
using the Elbow method and set at three clusters, segmented students based on digital literacy,
wellbeing, and performance [24, 25].</p>
        <p>In addition to ML, we applied spatial econometric models to examine spatial dependencies. The SAR
model analyzed the impact of physical proximity to high-performing peers on academic performance,
accounting for spatial autocorrelation [22]. The GWR explored the spatial variability in relationships
between digital literacy and educational outcomes, providing local insights [9].</p>
        <p>Data preprocessing involved normalization, encoding categorical variables, and imputing missing
values using multiple imputation techniques. Model performance was evaluated using 2, Mean
Absolute Error (MAE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) for ML models, and goodness-of-fit
measures such as Log-Likelihood and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) for spatial econometric
models.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-4">
      <title>4. Results</title>
      <sec id="sec-4-1">
        <title>4.1. Analysis of Data Using ML Techniques</title>
        <p>Students showed an increase in average grades from 5.34 to 6.15, and well-being scores improved from
0.48 to 0.95. These paired changes are descriptive and consistent with associations among baseline
well-being and subsequent grades; no causal efect is inferred.</p>
        <p>We applied various ML models to analyze the data. RFs and neural networks predicted academic
performance and well-being, with RFs proving more efective based on evaluation metrics such as RMSE
and 2 [12]. K-means clustering identified three distinct student groups based on digital literacy levels,
well-being scores, and academic performance, facilitating targeted interventions [26].</p>
        <p>The RF model indicates moderate explanatory power, with an 2 value of 0.55, meaning that 55% of
the variance in final grades could be explained by the predictors. The neural network model, although
less efective, provided valuable insights into the complex relationships between variables.</p>
        <p>Overall, the ML analysis underscored the importance of digital literacy in enhancing educational
outcomes and student well-being. These findings inform targeted strategies and interventions aimed
at fostering digital literacy and improving student performance (refer to Section 3 for detailed model
specifications).</p>
        <p>The unsupervised algorithm identified three clusters among the students, each with distinct
characteristics:
• Cluster 0: 9 students, younger, lower parental education, high extroversion and creativity, high
school happiness, general well-being, and strong school performance.
• Cluster 1: 28 students, older, lower parental education, moderate personality traits, high general
well-being but lower school happiness and performance.
• Cluster 2: 27 students, slightly younger, higher parental education, lower extroversion but
consistent responsibility, high general well-being and school performance.</p>
        <p>To predict end-of-term grades (2G), we used a RF model, evaluating its performance with Mean
Squared Error (MSE) and the coeficient of determination ( 2). The RF model yielded an MSE of 0.8846
and an 2 of 0.5499, indicating that it explained approximately 55% of the variance in 2G scores, leaving
45% of the variance unexplained.</p>
        <p>We also developed a neural network model to predict 2G scores using the same dataset. This model’s
performance, with an MSE of 1.7162 and an 2 of 0.1268, was less efective than the RF model. Therefore,
the RF model was deemed more efective for predicting 2G scores with the available data.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-4-2">
        <title>4.2. Spatial Statistical Analysis and Interpretation</title>
        <p>In our spatial statistical analysis, we investigated how classroom interactions and proximities afect
students’ academic performance, incorporating variables such as personality traits, well-being, and
demographics. Using the SAR model, we examined the impact of seating arrangements and peer
influences on academic outcomes.</p>
        <p>The SAR model is expressed as:
 =   +  + 
(1)
where:
•  represents end test grades,
•  is the SAR coeficient,
•  is the spatial weights matrix,
•  is the matrix of explanatory variables,
•  is the error term.</p>
        <p>The model showed strong explanatory power, with an 2 value of 0.725, indicating that a substantial
portion of the variance in end-of-test grades was explained by the predictors. Significant predictors
included age, initial school happiness, initial general well-being, and median class grades at the beginning
and end of the term.</p>
        <p>These results highlight the importance of well-being and classroom dynamics in academic success.</p>
        <p>To further explore spatial relationships, we employed GWR, which revealed variations in the impact
of personality traits and academic performance across diferent spatial locations within the classroom.
This analysis emphasized the nuanced efects of peer influences and seating arrangements on student
outcomes.</p>
        <p>Overall, our spatial statistical methods provided valuable insights into the role of spatial dependencies
in education, suggesting that targeted interventions considering these factors can enhance student
well-being and academic performance (refer to methodology section for detailed model specifications).</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-4-3">
        <title>4.3. Efects of Digital Literacy on Educational Outcomes</title>
        <p>Our analysis shows associations that improvements in digital literacy may enhance educational
outcomes. Students with higher digital literacy showed better academic performance and greater overall
well-being. This aligns with recent meta-analytic evidence on achievement [7] and with studies linking
digital competence to psychological well-being [8].</p>
        <p>The data indicated that students’ academic performance and well-being improved as their digital
literacy skills increased. This was particularly evident in the higher grades and well-being scores
observed among students with better digital literacy. Our findings support the idea that digital literacy
fosters a more engaging and efective learning environment, contributing to students’ academic success
and well-being.</p>
        <p>These results emphasize the importance of integrating digital literacy into educational curricula to
enhance student outcomes. By providing students with the necessary digital skills, educators can create
a more inclusive and efective learning environment that supports both academic achievement and
overall well-being (refer to methodology section for detailed analysis).</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-5">
      <title>5. Discussion</title>
      <sec id="sec-5-1">
        <title>5.1. Implications for Policy and Educational Practice</title>
        <p>Our findings have significant implications for policy and educational practice. The positive correlation
between digital literacy and both academic performance and student well-being suggests that educational
policies should prioritize digital literacy initiatives. Integrating digital literacy into curricula can equip
students with essential skills, enhancing their academic outcomes [7] and overall well-being [8].</p>
        <p>Educational institutions should consider investing in digital tools and resources, as well as training
programs for teachers to efectively incorporate digital literacy into their teaching methods. Policies
that support the development and implementation of digital literacy programs can help bridge the
digital divide and ensure equitable access to quality education [10].</p>
        <p>Furthermore, our analysis of spatial efects in educational settings indicates that classroom
arrangements and peer interactions play a crucial role in student outcomes. Policies aimed at optimizing
classroom environments to foster positive peer interactions and support students’ well-being can lead
to improved academic performance [20].</p>
        <p>Prioritizing digital literacy and considering spatial dynamics in educational settings can may enhance
educational outcomes. These insights should guide policymakers and educators in designing strategies
that promote efective learning environments and support students’ holistic development.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-5-2">
        <title>5.2. How ML can Inform Educational Assessments and Interventions</title>
        <p>ML may enhance educational assessments and interventions by providing detailed insights into student
performance and identifying key predictors of success. Our study shows associations how ML models,
such as RFs and neural networks, can predict academic outcomes and well-being, allowing for more
personalized and efective educational strategies [12].</p>
        <p>By analyzing large datasets, ML can identify patterns and trends that traditional methods might
overlook. This enables educators to develop targeted interventions tailored to individual student needs,
improving both academic performance and overall well-being. For instance, clustering techniques like
K-means help segment students into groups based on their digital literacy and well being, facilitating
customized support and resources [26, 24].</p>
        <p>ML also improves the eficiency of educational assessments by automating data analysis and providing
real-time feedback. This allows educators to quickly identify at-risk students and implement timely
interventions, enhancing the overall efectiveness of educational practices.</p>
        <p>ML can inform educational assessments and interventions by ofering powerful tools for analyzing
student data, predicting outcomes, and tailoring educational strategies to meet individual needs. These
advancements contribute to a more personalized and efective learning environment.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-5-3">
        <title>5.3. Ethical Considerations in the Use of AI and Big Data in Education</title>
        <p>The use of AI and Big Data in education raises important ethical considerations. Data privacy and
security are paramount, as sensitive student information must be protected from unauthorized access
and misuse. Robust data governance frameworks are essential to ensure that data is collected, stored,
and used responsibly [18].</p>
        <p>Transparency and fairness in AI algorithms are also critical [19]. It is important to ensure that AI
systems do not perpetuate biases or inequalities. This requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation of
AI tools to maintain fairness and equity in educational outcomes [27].</p>
        <p>Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for AI to replace human interaction in education.
While AI can provide valuable support, it should complement, not replace, the role of teachers. Human
oversight is necessary to ensure that AI-driven decisions align with educational goals and values [18].
Legal and philosophical analyses further warn that AI and Business Intelligence (BI) deployments must
respect institutional norms and learners’ rights [28].</p>
        <p>Ethical considerations also extend to the digital divide. Ensuring equitable access to AI and Big Data
technologies is crucial to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities in education. Policies should aim to
provide all students with the necessary digital resources and support [15].</p>
        <p>The ethical use of AI and Big Data in education requires careful consideration of data privacy, fairness,
transparency, and equity. These principles should guide the development and implementation of AI
technologies in educational settings to ensure they benefit all students (refer to methodology section
for detailed analysis).</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-6">
      <title>6. Conclusions</title>
      <sec id="sec-6-1">
        <title>6.1. Main Findings and Their Significance</title>
        <p>Our research revealed several key findings with significant implications for education. Firstly,
improvements in digital literacy were associated to enhanced academic performance and overall student
well-being. Students with higher digital literacy skills showed better grades and increased well-being,
underscoring the importance of integrating digital literacy into educational curricula [7, 8].</p>
        <p>Secondly, spatial analysis indicated that classroom arrangements and peer interactions may influence
educational outcomes. Proximity to high-performing peers positively impacted students’ academic
performance, highlighting the importance of considering spatial dynamics in educational settings [20].</p>
        <p>ML models, particularly RFs, were efective in predicting academic performance and well-being,
providing valuable insights for personalized educational strategies. The predictive power of these
models suggests their potential in developing targeted interventions to support student success [12].</p>
        <p>Finally, the ethical use of AI and Big Data in education requires careful consideration of data privacy,
fairness, and equity. Ensuring that AI systems are transparent and do not perpetuate biases is crucial
for maintaining educational integrity [17, 15].</p>
        <p>These findings emphasize the importance of digital literacy, spatial dynamics, and ethical
considerations in enhancing educational outcomes. They provide a foundation for developing efective policies
and practices that support student achievement and well-being.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-6-2">
        <title>6.2. Contributions to the Field of Educational Big Data and AI</title>
        <p>This study ofers empirical evidence on associations between digital literacy and outcomes. By
integrating advanced data analytics and ML techniques, we provided empirical evidence that highlights the
importance of digital skills in modern education [7, 8].</p>
        <p>The use of spatial econometric models in our analysis ofers new insights into the role of classroom
arrangements and peer interactions in influencing educational outcomes. This approach underscores
the importance of considering spatial dynamics when designing learning environments [20].</p>
        <p>Furthermore, our application of ML models, such as RFs and neural networks, illustrates their
efectiveness in predicting academic performance and well-being. These models enable the development
of personalized educational interventions, demonstrating the potential of AI to enhance teaching and
learning practices [12].</p>
        <p>Lastly, our research addresses critical ethical considerations in the use of AI and Big Data in education,
emphasizing the need for data privacy, fairness, and equitable access to technology. These findings
contribute to the ongoing discourse on the responsible use of AI in educational settings [17, 27, 15].</p>
        <p>This study advances the understanding of how digital literacy, spatial dynamics, and AI technologies
can be leveraged to improve educational outcomes, providing a valuable framework for future research
and policy development.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-6-3">
        <title>6.3. Future Research Directions and Limitations</title>
        <p>Future research should continue to explore the impact of digital literacy on educational outcomes,
focusing on diverse educational settings and larger sample sizes to validate our findings. Additionally,
investigating the long-term efects of digital literacy on student performance and well-being will provide
deeper insights into its sustained benefits [7, 8].</p>
        <p>Further studies should also examine the role of spatial dynamics in education, particularly how
diferent classroom arrangements and peer interactions influence learning outcomes. This can help
refine strategies to optimize learning environments for maximum student benefit [20].</p>
        <p>While our study indicates that ML models may be efective in predicting academic performance and
well-being, future research should explore other AI techniques and their applications in education. This
could enhance the precision and applicability of predictive models in various educational contexts [12,
13].</p>
        <p>Our research has limitations, including the specific demographic and geographic scope of the study,
which may afect the generalizability of the results. Additionally, while we addressed key ethical
considerations, ongoing evaluation of AI and Big Data use in education is essential to ensure fairness
and equity [17, 27, 15].</p>
        <p>Expanding research on digital literacy, spatial dynamics, and AI applications in education will further
our understanding and help develop efective, equitable educational strategies. Future work will also
explore federated-learning approaches to reconcile performance with privacy constraints in multi-school
settings [29].</p>
        <p>Acknowledgments This work was partially supported by the project 21-FIN/RIC (Fin. Comp.
2024 UM). The authors thank Università Mercatorum, NGS Sensors, and Tirana Business University for
their institutional support. The anonymous reviewers provided valuable feedback that improved the
manuscript’s clarity and analytical quality. All names and organizations involved were anonymized
in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure confidentiality and ethical
integrity.</p>
        <p>Disclosure of Interests The authors declare no financial conflicts of interest related to the concepts,
technologies, or entities discussed. Afiliations with organizations in enterprise automation and AI did
not influence the study design, analysis, or interpretation. All data were collected and analysed
independently, following academic ethical standards. Institutional disclosures were made, and confidentiality
was ensured by anonymizing collaborators, datasets, and proprietary tools in compliance with GDPR.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-7">
      <title>Declaration on Generative AI</title>
      <p>During the preparation of this work, the authors used GPT-4o, o3 and Mate Translate in order to
perform grammar and spelling check. After using these tools, the authors reviewed and edited the
content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the publication’s content.
[3] Grand View Research, Artificial Intelligence in Education Market Size, Share &amp; Trends Analysis
Report, Technical Report, Grand View Research, 2021. URL: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/
industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-education-market-report.
[4] Businessolution.org, AI in Education Statistics, 2023. URL: https://businessolution.org/
ai-in-education-statistics/.
[5] T. K. Chiu, Q. Xia, X. Zhou, C. S. Chai, M. Cheng, Systematic literature review on opportunities,
challenges, and future research recommendations of artificial intelligence in education, Computers
and Education: Artificial Intelligence 4 (2023) 100118. URL: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/
pii/S2666920X2200073X. doi:10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100118.
[6] F. Benelli, F. Maciariello, C. Salvadori, The influence of technologies on organizational culture
in innovative SMEs, Journal of Robotics and Automation Research 5 (2024) 01–11. URL: https:
//doi.org/10.33140/JRAR.
[7] F. Li, L. Cheng, X. Wang, L. Shen, Y. Ma, A. Y. M. A. Islam, The causal relationship between digital
literacy and students’ academic achievement: a meta-analysis, Humanities and Social Sciences
Communications 12 (2025) 108. URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-04399-6. doi:10.
1057/s41599-025-04399-6.
[8] X. Wang, R. Zhang, Z. Wang, T. Li, How Does Digital Competence Preserve University Students’
Psychological Well-Being During the Pandemic? An Investigation From Self-Determined Theory,
Frontiers in Psychology 12 (2021) 652594. URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.
2021.652594/full. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.652594.
[9] A. S. Fotheringham, C. Brunsdon, M. Charlton, Geographically weighted regression: the analysis
of spatially varying relationships, nachdr. der ausg. 2002 ed., Wiley, Chichester, 2010.
[10] B. Daniel, Big Data and analytics in higher education: Opportunities and challenges, British
Journal of Educational Technology 46 (2015) 904–920. URL: https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.
wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjet.12230. doi:10.1111/bjet.12230.
[11] O. Zawacki-Richter, V. I. Marín, M. Bond, F. Gouverneur, Systematic review of research on artificial
intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators?, International Journal of
Educational Technology in Higher Education 16 (2019) 39. URL: https://educationaltechnologyjournal.
springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0. doi:10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0.
[12] G. James, D. Witten, T. Hastie, R. Tibshirani, An introduction to statistical learning: with
applications in R, Springer texts in statistics, second edition ed., Springer, New York, 2021.
[13] D. Ifenthaler, J. Y.-K. Yau, Utilising learning analytics to support study success in higher education:
a systematic review, Educational Technology Research and Development 68 (2020) 1961–1990. URL:
https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11423-020-09788-z. doi:10.1007/s11423-020-09788-z.
[14] McKinsey &amp; Company, How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact K–12
Teachers, 2020. URL: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/
how-artificial-intelligence-will-impact-k-12-teachers.
[15] D. Mhlanga, T. Moloi, COVID-19 and the Digital Transformation of Education: What Are We
Learning on 4IR in South Africa?, Education Sciences 10 (2020) 180. URL: https://www.mdpi.com/
2227-7102/10/7/180. doi:10.3390/educsci10070180.
[16] N. AlQashouti, M. Yaqot, R. E. Franzoi, B. C. Menezes, Educational System Resilience during the
COVID-19 Pandemic—Review and Perspective, Education Sciences 13 (2023) 902. URL: https:
//www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/13/9/902. doi:10.3390/educsci13090902.
[17] S. Slade, P. Prinsloo, Learning Analytics: Ethical Issues and Dilemmas, American Behavioral
Scientist 57 (2013) 1510–1529. URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0002764213479366.
doi:10.1177/0002764213479366.
[18] W. Holmes, K. Porayska-Pomsta, K. Holstein, E. Sutherland, T. Baker, S. B. Shum, O. C.
Santos, M. T. Rodrigo, M. Cukurova, I. I. Bittencourt, K. R. Koedinger, Ethics of AI in Education:
Towards a Community-Wide Framework, International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in
Education 32 (2022) 504–526. URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-021-00239-1. doi:10.1007/
s40593-021-00239-1.
[19] H. Khosravi, S. B. Shum, G. Chen, C. Conati, Y.-S. Tsai, J. Kay, S. Knight, R. Martinez-Maldonado,</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-8">
      <title>Appendices</title>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec-9">
      <title>A. Python Scripts used for this paper</title>
      <sec id="sec-9-1">
        <title>A.1. SAR Model Analysis of Student Well-being and Academic Performance</title>
        <p>This Python script loads a dataset of student well-being and academic performance, processes spatial
information related to student seating arrangements, constructs a spatial weights matrix, and applies a
SAR model using the statsmodels library to analyze the influence of various predictors on student
outcomes. The script concludes with visualizing the model’s coeficients to understand the impact of
each variable:</p>
        <p>The detailed Python code for the spatial and ML models, including SAR and GWR, is available in a
GitHub repository reachable here: https://github.com/vstile/2025edu4ai.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec-9-2">
        <title>A.2. GWR Analysis of Student Well-being and Academic Performance</title>
        <p>This Python script conducts a GWR analysis to investigate the spatially varying relationships between
various predictors and student academic performance:</p>
        <p>The complete code implementation is available as public GitHub repository reachable here:
https://github.com/vstile/2025edu4ai.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
  </body>
  <back>
    <ref-list>
      <ref id="ref1">
        <mixed-citation>
          [1]
          <string-name>
            <given-names>S.</given-names>
            <surname>Shetye</surname>
          </string-name>
          ,
          <article-title>An Evaluation of Khanmigo, a Generative AI Tool, as a Computer-Assisted Language Learning App</article-title>
          ,
          <source>Studies in Applied Linguistics and TESOL</source>
          <volume>24</volume>
          (
          <year>2024</year>
          ). URL: https://journals.library. columbia.edu/index.php/SALT/article/view/12869. doi:
          <volume>10</volume>
          .52214/salt.v24i1.
          <fpage>12869</fpage>
          .
        </mixed-citation>
      </ref>
      <ref id="ref2">
        <mixed-citation>
          [2]
          <string-name>
            <given-names>R.</given-names>
            <surname>Van Den</surname>
          </string-name>
          <string-name>
            <surname>Berghe</surname>
          </string-name>
          ,
          <article-title>Social robots in a translanguaging pedagogy: A review to identify opportunities for robot-assisted (language) learning</article-title>
          ,
          <source>Frontiers in Robotics and AI</source>
          <volume>9</volume>
          (
          <year>2022</year>
          )
          <article-title>958624</article-title>
          . URL: https:// www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.
          <year>2022</year>
          .958624/full. doi:
          <volume>10</volume>
          .3389/frobt.
          <year>2022</year>
          .
          <volume>958624</volume>
          .
        </mixed-citation>
      </ref>
    </ref-list>
  </back>
</article>