STUDENTS' USE OF GENERATIVE AI

Abstract

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, generative AI has become a focal point in higher education. As educational developers at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), we have identified a lack of research in several areas of generative AI. Therefore, we conducted this study to enhance our knowledge and gain insights into students' use of GenAI. Our study aims to provide an understanding of how frequently and for what purposes students use GenAI, how it affects their study techniques, whether they feel their education has adapted to GenAI, and if an institution-licensed GenAI tool influences their usage. This study primarily serves as a basis for further development work at BTH but is also generally applicable to higher education.

In May 2024, a digital survey was sent to 4729 students at Blekinge Institute of Technology, resulting in 488 responses, representing 10.3% of the student population. The results show that 68% of respondents have used GenAI, and 64% indicate that it has changed their study techniques. The open responses highlight three primary uses: idea generation, text work, and various forms of understanding. Regarding study techniques, most students use GenAI as a study companion/extra teacher and for various text-related tasks. It also appears that institution-specific GenAI tools have minimal impact on students' usage. The data further indicates that the majority of students do not believe their education has adapted to GenAI or addresses issues such as guidelines, ethics, and discussions on the subject. We recommend further studies on students' actual use of GenAI, especially where they use GenAI as a study companion/extra teacher, as this may offer pedagogical benefits.