Uni students are using AI to ‘ask stupid questions’ and get feedback on their work

In a landscape where educational support is crucial, many university students are turning to artificial intelligence for assistance on their assignments. With professors and tutors often unavailable or when fear of asking questions looms large, students are finding solace in AI tools like ChatGPT. Recent research reveals that nearly half of Australian university students are utilizing generative AI for feedback on their academic work. Conducted from August to October 2024, a study surveyed 6,960 students across four major Australian universities. Participants hailed from diverse fields such as sciences, engineering, humanities, business, and law. The demographic makeup was significant, with 57% identifying as women and 72% aged between 18 and 24. Most respondents were full-time students, with 58% being domestic students and 61% in undergraduate programs. The findings show that almost 49% of students are employing AI to enhance their university assignments. Whether it's receiving suggestions for improving their work or getting insights on strengths and weaknesses, these tools are proving beneficial. An impressive 84% of students rated AI feedback as helpful, while 82% found their lecturers' feedback equally useful. However, trust levels diverged sharply; a striking 90% trusted their teachers, but only 60% felt the same about AI feedback. Students highlighted the immediate access AI provides, allowing them to explore information and generate ideas quickly. As one student noted, AI can feel less judgmental, making it a safer option for those hesitant to ask questions. Another remarked that AI’s feedback often aligns with their thoughts, creating a sense of skepticism about its reliability. Despite the benefits, the study uncovered that 50.3% of participants did not use AI for feedback. A significant portion of this group, 28%, was unaware of AI's feedback capabilities. This lack of awareness raises concerns about equity, as students knowledgeable about AI have constant access to support, while others remain in the dark. The implications for universities are clear: while AI can offer quick and accessible feedback, the nuanced and expert guidance from teachers is irreplaceable. AI serves as a complementary tool, providing initial feedback that can be refined through personal interaction with educators. This dynamic suggests that the future of education lies in a collaborative approach, harnessing both AI and human expertise to enhance student learning experiences.