AI, IoT, and the evolution of learning processes: A systematic review using a PESTEL perspective

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into education is reshaping learning by creating more adaptive, interactive, and learner-centered environments. This study examines how these technologies influence education through the PESTEL framework, highlighting the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors that shape their adoption. In fact, the choice of the PESTEL framework is based on its capacity to build a comprehensive macro-environmental analysis of the educational landscape. And using the PRISMA approach (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), the methodology includes a systematic identification of relevant studies, textual analysis of co-occurrences and author collaborations, and content analysis based on a structured analytical grid. The results indicate that political factors—such as government policies, national digital strategies, and public–private partnerships—play a pivotal role in enabling or constraining the implementation of AI and IoT in education. Economic considerations, social equity issues, technological readiness, environmental implications, and legal regulations also emerge as significant drivers. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-dimensional impact of AI and IoT on education and underscores the need for informed, forward-looking policies to support their responsible and effective integration.