Exploring an activity-enhanced scaffolding for knowledge structure representing: could the knowledge-activity connection promote students’ online learning experience in AI curriculum?

Results revealed that the experimental group showed significantly higher scores in knowledge acquisition and knowledge organization. Moreover, experimental group demonstrated more positive learning attitudes across behavioral, cognitive, and emotional dimensions, and achieved higher levels of thinking, with 73.33% reaching relational or extended abstract levels compared to 21.11% in the control group. These findings suggest that integrating knowledge visualization with structured learning pathways effectively enhances online learning outcomes. The study contributes to both theoretical understanding of scaffolding design and practical guidelines for developing more effective online learning environments.