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Students' perceptions and uses of traditional AI and GenAI in the academic setting
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From visiting libraries and searching for ideas and answers across different books, today's students have evolved to using artificial intelligence when they need ideas and answers, with just one quick prompt away.
Here is an example of those prompts:
With smart classrooms on the rise, this adjustment for students has resulted in numerous responses and perspectives regarding the usage of artificial intelligence in academic settings.
Findings in several studies show that:
Students see how AI-based learning tools ease planning and drafting their research, specifically in identifying and developing the topics.
Students generally show a positive attitude towards GenAI both in teaching and learning.
Students recognized several benefits of using AI:
Personalized learning support
Writing and brainstorming assistance
Research and analysis capabilities
Students expressed concerns regarding accuracy and transparency.
Students expressed concerns regarding human values, whether it may affect the student-teacher relationship and may misalign with their values.
Students are also concerned as to how to appropriately use GenAI in academic settings.
These findings from several studies are insightful enough to raise different discussions in finding a middle ground between education and artificial intelligence.
In one study, 86% of students confirmed how their performance has improved through the use of AI-based learning tools. Students expressed how these tools help in easing the first few steps of developing a research study. There is also less downtime as editing is minimized. Additionally, most participants shared how these tools are easy to use and have high flexibility. The study also showed how most participants expressed positive interest in using AI, as it reduces writer's block in the middle of writing, and did not find anything annoying or disruptive, with some even enjoying the learning process with AI.
In another study, they explored the reasons behind the willingness of students to utilize GenAI in academics. Some students consider AI as a "top student" and "virtual tutor" in their class because when they have doubts and cannot find other people to help them out, they see ChatGPT as a seemingly good option. Besides getting immediate answers, students also valued how the feedback and recommendations can be customized, depending on the student's needs. Some students use ChatGPT to check their finished homework and said that it improves their depth of thinking and understanding, and further helps them learn better on their own.
Connected to the first study, students also found AI to be of big help in generating ideas and finding inspiration. It also made it more efficient for them as it can help with formatting, information retrieval, and help gather citations. Furthermore, students see AI as particularly useful for non-native English-speaking students who are struggling with AI, as well as proving their overall writing skills. Another benefit that students found is how AI can be used to support research and analysis. Some students noted how AI can "save resources in data collection and initial analysis." Plus, some use AI to also handle repetitive tasks.
Though using artificial intelligence is considered to be powerful and "magical" because of its capabilities, not everything is as pretty as it seems.
While many may enjoy the benefits of using such tools, some challenges arise from this.
Most of the students who expressed their willingness to use AI also expressed their concerns regarding the accuracy, transparency, privacy ethical issues, human values, career prospects, and policy uncertainties.
At present, feedback and recommendations from AI are fluent and human-like responses, but its accuracy and transparency cannot be guaranteed as it is difficult to know how AI comes up with its decisions. Plus, it has also become increasingly difficult to identify whether you're dealing with plagiarized content or not. Moreover, some also expressed their concerns regarding their privacy with one stating that it may obtain their private information as it is used to further improve the system, but if not properly protected, it "can pose privacy and security risks." Furthermore, the concern of plagiarism has also been mentioned numerous times, but students have stated how it has become increasingly difficult to identify whether they are dealing with plagiarized content or not. Additionally, some feel at loss for how to appropriately use AI in universities, which could potentially result in the misuse or unintended consequences of GenAI. Even those who know how to use it, believe that a policy should be in place, with one pointing out, "A well-balanced usage guideline needs to be in place so that the benefits of the tech can be leveraged."
Aside from concerns regarding its impact on academics, students also pointed out several personal issues. One of the main issues is becoming over-reliant on AI, which may be a cause to hinder one's growth, skills, and intellectual development over time. As one commented:
"This may lead to a decrease in critical thinking and make decisions only based on the information that AI provides to them." And "some people may rely too much on AI technologies to generate ideas, causing them to lose the capacity or willingness to think by themselves."
Furthermore, some also expressed how employers may also raise their requirements, which may cause "those who fall behind on this might have difficulty finding employment or catching up."
In the context of AI technologies, it is important to understand the different perceptions of students. Considering how the implementation of AI is new in academia, educators and policymakers would address the students' needs while promoting effective learning outcomes if policies are put into place, to avoid the misuse and unintended consequences of AI in academic settings. Learning how to properly use AI for deeper learning and application will lessen the fear of these kinds of technologies, which stems from confusion.
Moreover, in the context of plagiarism and creativity, students need to find their middle ground in using such technology, to avoid becoming over-reliant and potentially misaligning their values, hindering their growth and intellectual development.
These findings from several studies shed light on the different perceptions of students on these technological adjustments in academic settings. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to integrating these technologies into education. By maximizing the benefits of AI, educators and students alike can further enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the new era of the workforce.
Chan CKY, Hu W. 2023. Students' voices on generative AI: perceptions, benefits, and challenges in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education 20, 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00411-8
Utami S, PT, Andayani, Winarni R, Sumarwati. 2023. Utilization of artificial intelligence technology in an academic writing class: How do Indonesian students perceive?. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4), ep450. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13419