Abstract
Purpose – This paper examines the relationship between AI-driven educational platforms, economic efficiency, and human capital formation in the context of digital transformation in education. It focuses on extracurricular education and considers how AI-enabled personalization and gamification may contribute to more efficient learning processes and to the development of cognitive and non-cognitive skill. Methodology – The study adopts an exploratory analytical approach grounded in human capital theory and the economics of education. It uses a conceptual framework to assess an AI-based extracurricular learning platform in terms of learning productivity, scalability, resource utilization, and potential human capital outcomes. The analysis is based on the interpretation of platform mechanisms in relation to insights from recent literature. Originality – The paper contributes to the literature by integrating three perspectives that are often examined separately: AI-based educational platforms, economic efficienc in education, and human capital development. It offers a structured analytical framework for considering how personalization and engagement mechanisms may be interpreted from an economic perspective. Findings – The study suggests that AI-driven educational platforms may enhance educational efficienc by supporting scalable delivery, reducing coordination burdens, and improving the alignment of learning activities with learner needs. It also indicates that such platforms may support human capital formation through the development of critical thinking, autonomy, motivation, and adaptability when implemented within an appropriate pedagogical framework. However, the findings are exploratory and should be interpreted as analytical rather than as direct empirical evidence.