One-third of college students study with generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard, according to a poll. Almost 35% of students use AI chatbots for their projects.
The latest survey says one-third of college students used generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, and others to study in the past year, which has increased productivity but raised knowledge fears. The recent survey found that 35% of students use AI chatbots for project work.
Morning Consult of McGraw Hill questioned 200 college teachers and 500 undergraduate students to assess higher education trends on student mental health and behaviors.
Most professors and students believe generative AI will boost student learning, according to the survey. Nearly 58% of teachers and 62% of students believe AI will increase learning rather than lower IQ and have long-term effects.
It adds: “With guardrails put in place, like tools that use content developed and vetted by trusted academic sources, most instructors and students would be more comfortable using ChatGPT and other generative AI tools,” it said.
Senior teaching faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at UWM, Ann Raddant, said, “AI technology could increase learning and make my job as an instructor easier. I think instructors should learn about the technology’s potential and limitations before using it in class.”
Then, “I’ve seen some really great examples of assignments that help students understand what GenAI platforms can and cannot do,” said.
Most students (57%) and 56% of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed and burdened by their coursework.
The McGraw Hill survey also identified ‘mental health awareness’ as the top trend for higher education course material, which providers should address.
Conclusion
The growing use of generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard among college students shows their potential to improve learning. The survey suggests that generative AI can benefit higher education with proper deployment and protections, despite worries about student participation and critical thinking. Instructors should carefully include these technologies into their syllabus and ensure students have the abilities to use them. Maintaining a happy and productive learning environment requires addressing student mental health concerns and offering necessary support.
