Most uni students now use AI, but that doesn’t mean they like it
We asked more than 10,000 students about how they use artificial intelligence for study and how they feel about the technology. This is what we found.
The university landscape has undergone significant transformation since artificial intelligence (AI) became widely accessible four years ago. Students now rely on AI for around-the-clock feedback and many institutions have incorporated AI into their assessment redesigns. However, the impact of AI on students' perceptions and experiences remains a topic of discussion.
Our research project across four Australian universities – Monash University, the University of Queensland, Deakin University, and the University of Technology Sydney – surveyed undergraduate and postgraduate students about their usage and perceptions of AI in 2024. Respondents included neurodivergent students, students with disabilities, those who spoke languages other than English at home, and first-generation university attendees.
The survey, which included over 10,000 participants, revealed that the primary reason students use AI is to edit or enhance their writing, with nearly 70% selecting this option. Additionally, 64% of students use AI to generate ideas or examples, while 60% use it to learn how to perform tasks. About half of the students seek AI for information, and 50% utilize it for feedback on their work.
Using AI has become more prevalent, with the proportion of students who reported never using AI for their studies declining from 17% to 15% when compared to the 2024 survey. This increase aligns with findings from this year's Australian Student Wellbeing Report, which indicates that 84% of students have used AI tools for assignments and study, a 10% rise from the previous year.
While most students use AI, they have mixed feelings about it. Nearly half of the students reported that AI helps make their study process easier, and 41% say it improves their personal wellbeing during study sessions. Around 32% feel more confident using AI in their work. However, concerns exist. Many students limit their AI use due to concerns about its accuracy, with 67% of participants who use AI expressing such worries.
Additionally, 62% limit or avoid AI use because it conflicts with their personal learning values, and 57% prefer to do the work themselves. Ethical concerns, such as the potential for AI to present biased information, privacy issues, threats to academic integrity, and environmental impacts, are also significant factors for many students.
Despite these challenges, students' comfort with AI has somewhat improved. Compared to 2024, fewer students are now avoiding AI use out of fear of being caught, decreasing from 56% to 50%. Universities have made strides in providing clearer guidance on AI use, with the percentage of students reporting sufficient guidance increasing from 36% to 47%. However, there is still a need for more consistent communication about AI policies across different subjects and disciplines.
Given the growing role of AI in education, it is crucial for universities to engage students in discussions about their experiences and perceptions of AI. Involving students in shaping AI policies can help address concerns, promote understanding, and foster a more comfortable and confident approach to using AI in their studies.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
