Teacher's Perspective on Generative Artificial Intelligence-Driven Innovation of Vocational Undergraduate Teaching Models in Road and Bridge Engineering—An Empirical Study Based on Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

This study examines the role mechanism of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in empowering the innovation of vocational undergraduate teaching modes in road and bridge engineering from the teachers' perspective. Integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Constructivist Learning Theory (CLT), and Engineering Education Theory (EET), a multidimensional Structural Equation Model (SEM) is constructed, covering Teaching AI Literacy (TAL), Generative AI Use Behavior (GAU), Teaching Perception of Adaptation (TPA), Learning Engagement (LE), Learning Outcomes (LO), Engineering Problem Solving Skills (EPS), Teaching Satisfaction (TS), Ethical Risk Perception (ERP), and College-Company Collaboration Intensity (CCI) as a contextual moderating variable. Taking all 54 teachers of the road and bridge engineering program at Qinghai Vocational and Technical University as the empirical sample, the study showed that teachers' AI literacy significantly contributed to AI usage behavior and students' learning engagement; AI usage behavior further positively affected learning engagement by enhancing teachers' teaching perception of adaptation; and learning engagement significantly and positively impacted the students' learning outcomes, which in turn improved their engineering problem-solving ability and teaching satisfaction. The increase in learning engagement also considerably enhanced students' ability to perceive the ethical risks of AI. The intensity of school-enterprise collaboration (CCI) as a contextual variable was significantly and positively correlated with both teacher AI literacy TAL and generative AI usage behavior (GAU). This study has significant practical implications for the generative AI-driven reform of vocational undergraduate teaching modes and school-enterprise synergy in road and bridge engineering.