Artificial Intelligence Generators as Tools for Developing Academic Skills among University students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15291/ai.5044Keywords:
artificial intelligence generator, university students, academic skills, ethics, AI benefits, AI limitationsAbstract
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has developed at an unprecedented pace, extending its influence to numerous aspects of daily life, including all levels of the educational system. The availability and practical applications of AI generators are transforming how students access information and engage in learning, presenting higher education institutions with a range of challenges. These challenges involve reconsidering academic skill development, rethinking the traditional roles of teaching and learning, and addressing ethical issues related to the use of emerging technologies. Integrating AI into educational systems marks a significant step in reshaping educational processes, promoting greater flexibility and accessibility. A study was conducted to examine the frequency and methods of AI generator use, as well as their perceived benefits and limitations, among the students (N=499) enrolled in the Teacher Studies, Early Childhood and Preschool Education, and Educational Rehabilitation programs at the Faculty of Education in Osijek. The findings indicate that students primarily utilize AI generators for academic support, including content clarification, text composition, translation, and summarization. ChatGPT emerged as the most widely used AI generator, likely due to its accessibility, user-friendly interface, and availability in a free version. Students generally express positive attitudes toward the use of AI generators, recognizing them as valuable tools for academic development and assessing their use as largely ethical. These results point to the necessity of integrating AI generators into higher education in a structured manner, with clearly defined educational objectives, ethical guidelines, and practical examples of application.
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