Date
Publisher
arXiv
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) models such as ChatGPT have experienced a surge in popularity, attracting 100 million active users in 2 months and generating an estimated 10 million daily queries. Despite this remarkable adoption, there remains a limited understanding to which extent this innovative technology influences higher education. This research paper investigates the impact of GAI on university students and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive survey with scenario analysis to explore potential benefits, drawbacks, and transformative changes the new technology brings. Using an online survey with 130 participants we assessed students' perspectives and attitudes concerning present ChatGPT usage in academics. Results show that students use the current technology for tasks like assignment writing and exam preparation and believe it to be a effective help in achieving academic goals. The scenario analysis afterwards projected potential future scenarios, providing valuable insights into the possibilities and challenges associated with incorporating GAI into higher education. The main motivation is to gain a tangible and precise understanding of the potential consequences for HEIs and to provide guidance responding to the evolving learning environment. The findings indicate that irresponsible and excessive use of the technology could result in significant challenges. Hence, HEIs must develop stringent policies, reevaluate learning objectives, upskill their lecturers, adjust the curriculum and reconsider examination approaches.
Study at a glance
- Question: How does generative AI affect university students and higher education institutions?
- Setting and data: Online survey of 130 university student participants.
- Method: Mixed-methods study combining an online survey and scenario analysis.
Why it matters
Despite generative AI's surge in popularity, there remains limited understanding of the extent to which it influences higher education. Institutions need a tangible and precise understanding of its potential consequences to respond to this evolving learning environment.
Key findings
- In an online survey of 130 university students, participants reported using ChatGPT for tasks like assignment writing and exam preparation.
- Students believed the technology was an effective help in achieving their academic goals.
- Irresponsible and excessive use of generative AI could result in significant challenges for higher education institutions.
Summary drafted with AI from the paper’s abstract and may contain errors. See the full paper for details.
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