{
  "id": 9442987,
  "title": "GenAI use among online adult learners associated with academic performance and technology confidence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/genai-use-among-online-adult-learners-associated-with-academic",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-24T00:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-genai-online-adult-learners-academic.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent University of Phoenix research reveals that nontraditional students who frequently use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their online coursework tend to achieve higher grades and demonstrate greater confidence with technology. A study of 491 online general education students found that 43.2% of those surveyed reported using tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Gemini. However, higher frequency of GenAI use did not correlate with lower academic or reading, writing and math skills, nor with increased work, study or family responsibilities. The study, published in Artificial Intelligence in Education, suggests that the relationship between GenAI use and academic performance is more complex than simply students using AI to avoid struggling or save time. Instead, GenAI appears to be linked to stronger academic performance and increased technology confidence among these learners. Students cited using the technology to clarify concepts, develop ideas and work more efficiently. Concerns about AI-generated content's accuracy and originality, preserving individual academic voice and understanding appropriate academic integrity use were also highlighted. The researchers argue that higher education should focus on developing GenAI literacy, critical evaluation skills and ethical use rather than just restricting its use. The study's cross-sectional, correlational design and nonprobability sample from one online university limit the generalizability of the findings. Further longitudinal and multi-institutional research is needed to explore how patterns of GenAI use evolve and their long-term impact on academic outcomes.",
  "summary": "University of Phoenix scholars have published research examining how nontraditional undergraduate students use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in online higher education. The study found that more frequent GenAI use was significantly associated with higher academic performance and stronger confidence in technology skills. Lower confidence in reading, writing and math, and greater time…",
  "key_points": [
    "43.2% of surveyed online students use GenAI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Gemini",
    "GenAI use linked to higher grades and increased technology confidence among nontraditional students",
    "Study suggests focusing on GenAI literacy, critical evaluation, and ethical use in higher education"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The findings suggest that higher education institutions should shift their approach to GenAI from restriction to education, focusing on literacy, critical evaluation, and ethical use to support nontraditional students.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}