Reimagining Engagement in Hospitality Education: How Generative AI Stimulates Curiosity, Motivation, and Learning Outcomes

Abstract

This study explores how generative AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, influence student engagement and learning outcomes in hospitality education through an integrated Interactive-constructive-active-passive (ICAP) and stimulus – organism – response (S-O-R) framework. Using a sample of 400 Taiwanese hospitality and tourism students with prior ChatGPT experience, the study tested a multistage mediation model linking technology-integrated activities to academic performance and behavioral intentions. The results from structural equation modeling supported all the hypothesized indirect effects. Technology-enhanced learning significantly increased interest-type curiosity, which subsequently amplified students’ desire for learning, hedonic motivation, and positive attitudes toward AI. These psychological pathways collectively improved academic performance and strengthened the behavioral intention to adopt AI tools in future learning. The findings highlight the role of curiosity-driven engagement in vocational education and suggest that well-designed, interactive AI tasks can transform technology use from a passive tool into an active driver of meaningful learning and future readiness.

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