Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Systematic Literature Review on Instructional Materials Development

Year 2026, Volume: 13 Issue: 2, 226 - 247, 08.03.2026

Asep Nuryadin , Karlimah Karlimah , Muhammad Rizki Nugraha

https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.27.13.2

https://izlik.org/JA64LG89KW

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in developing instructional materials across formal educational contexts. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using a structured search strategy following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 71% conducted in higher education and 29% in K-12. Thematic categorization shows that instructional materials developed with GenAI are dominated by textual and written materials, while the most frequently used tools are large language models (LLMs)/text generation such as ChatGPT and Copilot. The findings indicate that GenAI offers strong potential to accelerate the development and diversify the formats of instructional materials, with reported benefits including time, workload, and cost efficiency, support for educators, personalization and adaptability, improved quality and range of materials, as well as positive impacts on learning processes and outcomes. However, key challenges remain, particularly related to output quality, human readiness, technical-operational constraints, ethical issues, as well as negative impacts on learning processes and outcomes. Despite several limitations, the study highlights the importance of strengthening educators’ AI literacy and skills, institutional policy support, and further empirical research regarding the use of GenAI in education.

Keywords

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) , large language models (LLMs) , ChatGPT , instructional materials , higher education , K-12 education

Ethical Statement

This study is a systematic literature review (SLR) that analyzed and synthesized findings from previously published studies. All data used in this review were obtained from publicly accessible and peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus. Since the study did not involve any direct interaction with human participants, animals, or sensitive personal data, formal ethical approval was not required. Nevertheless, the research was conducted in accordance with established academic integrity standards, including transparency, accuracy, and proper acknowledgment of all sources. The authors affirm that all efforts were made to ensure objectivity in the selection, screening, and analysis of the reviewed literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied consistently to minimize bias, and references have been cited appropriately to credit the original authors.

Supporting Institution

Directorate of Research and Community Service, Directorate General of Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia

Project Number

0419/C3/DT.05.00/2025

Thanks

This research was funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Directorate General of Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, under the fiscal year 2025.

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