Who did the Thinking? A cognitive-control conceptual framework for student-GenAI interaction in assessed ICT tasks

This paper refines the analytical focus on the real-time distribution of cognitive control and addresses this diagnostic gap. It conceptualises student-GenAI interaction as dynamic distribution of control across four
distinct dimensions (interpretation, comprehension, thinking, and decision-making), and maps them into an engagement continuum. The framework translates these dimensions into behavioural anchors, proposes triangulation across multi-source to reduce self-report bias, and outlines a validation agenda.