Think all students are using AI thoughtlessly?
From our large cross-institutional survey of over 8,000 students, 67% say they successfully use generative AI (GenAI) for different purposes. Most are also aware that they can’t fully trust what GenAI produces — only 27% say they trust AI. In fact, 65% report they always or almost always change what AI produces to suit their needs.
Students’ detailed comments in focus groups indicate a common awareness of some of the pitfalls of using AI thoughtlessly:
“I think it robs you of the opportunity to really engage with a given topic for an assessment, for example. And just, you know, generate the response, or whatever format you can get away with it, maybe fairly easily, and get your degree without really having to undergo that critical thinking challenges and really engaging with the material […] I think it’s really to your disadvantage when you use ChatGPT in that manner”.
Some students are mindful that AI-generated texts lack individuality and may avoid using AI to prioritise their authenticity.
Many, like Elodie, understood the complexity of different kinds of use and of navigating what is and is not appropriate: “I think there’s a bit of, like a blurred line, between being partners, and actually, you know, it’s kind of plagiarism”
Our evidence indicates that students seem to exhibit capabilities to engage with AI critically, but not across the entire population. 10% of survey respondents say they never change what GenAI produces and are just copying and pasting AI output straight into their work.
Students are learning about GenAI from a range of sources, including friends, internet searches, social media, by trial and error, and indeed, from GenAI itself.
Only 7% reported that they learned about GenAI from their university — our universities need to step up here! They should play a crucial role in helping students learn to use AI critically, carefully, and effectively.
Dr. Antonette Shibani (Transdisciplinary School, UTS) and Dr. Lisa-Angelique Lim (Connected Intelligence Centre, UTS) representing the Students and AI collaborative project team of 20 scholars from 4 universities. More at AIinHE.org.
