The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has the potential to transform teaching and learning, particularly in physical science, where abstract and complex concepts often challenge students. In South Africa, the diverse student population and reliance on traditional teaching methods create barriers to personalized learning. This study explores the effectiveness of AI in providing personalized support to students in physical science education, both inside and outside the classroom, with a focus on its potential impact in the South African context.

A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 34 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. The study examined definitions of personalized learning, the role of AI in education, and the types of AI tutoring tools available. Research databases such as Scispace, Scopus, Google Scholar, Wits Library, and Web of Science were used to identify relevant studies. Search strings were refined to focus on AI tutors, personalized learning, and their application in physical science education. Findings indicate that AI tutors enhance learning by providing adaptive, student-centered instruction. AI tools such as Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), and AI-powered chatbots, offer real time feedback, customized content delivery, and interactive simulations that improve student engagement and comprehension. Personalized learning, as defined by Xie et al. (2019) and Ayeni et al. (2024), tailors instructional content and assessment to individual learning needs, making AI a powerful tool for addressing diverse learning styles.

Despite AI's promising potential, there is a lack of research on its implementation in South African classrooms. Challenges such as limited access to technology, internet constraints, large class sizes, and language barriers must be considered for effective AI integration. Additionally, while AI enhances learning, teachers remain crucial in guiding critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This study underscores the need for further research on AI’s application in South African education, particularly in physical science instruction. AI has the potential to bridge learning gaps, foster personalized learning experiences, and equip students with the tools necessary for academic success. However, strategic implementation and teacher support are essential to maximizing its benefits.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Learning, Physical Science Education, AI Tutors, Adaptive Learning, South Africa.