Understanding Students' Experience with AI in College Courses
Concerns: Am I using AI ethically? Will AI replace my own thinking and creativity? How do I know if my work is still my own?
Hopes: AI can save me time and help me improve my work. I hope to learn how to use AI effectively while maintaining academic integrity.
Frustrations: Guidelines for AI use are unclear or inconsistent across courses. Fear of accidentally violating academic policies.
Excitement: AI can assist with brainstorming, research, and drafting. It can help overcome writer’s block and improve efficiency.
Confusion: Different professors have different AI policies. Some classmates use AI openly, while others avoid it completely.
Resources: Online AI tools, college-provided AI guidelines, social media discussions on AI use.
Challenges: Not enough clear, standardized training on ethical AI usage. Some faculty members are resistant or unclear about AI policies.
From Instructors: “Use AI responsibly,” but without clear guidance. Some professors ban it entirely, others encourage it.
From Peers: “AI makes studying easier,” “I use AI, but I’m not sure if I should,” “I don’t want to get in trouble for using AI.” “You should use it, everyone is and you’ll fall behind if you don’t.”
From Institutions: Varying messages about AI’s role in education. Some departments embrace it, others strictly limit it.
From Students: ??? (Fill in your voice here!)
Attitudes: Some students embrace AI fully, while others are cautious or avoid it out of fear of academic consequences.
Actions: Experimenting with AI tools for writing, summarizing, coding, or problem-solving. Asking professors for clarification on AI policies. Seeking guidance from peers or online resources.
Advocacy: Some students push for clearer AI policies and training on ethical AI use.
Unclear Expectations: Struggling to understand what constitutes acceptable AI use in different classes.
Ethical Dilemmas: Unsure of when AI use crosses into academic dishonesty.
Fear of Consequences: Worrying about disciplinary action for improper AI use.
Limited Training: Lack of formal instruction on how to use AI responsibly in academic settings.
Herb: “It’s the first time that technology is driving us—and we need time to process, but the tech speed is fast.”
Mavis: “Real trust is lost. We’re risking critical thinking and deepening disparities in access.”
Amber: “It removes voice and authenticity from writing.”
Efficiency: AI helps streamline research, writing, and studying.
Skill Development: Learning how to use AI responsibly prepares students for future careers.
Confidence: Clear AI policies and training lead to greater confidence in using AI effectively and ethically.
Creativity & Learning: AI tools can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and content generation when used properly.