Exploring College Students' Perceptions of the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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| Title: | Exploring College Students' Perceptions of the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sara K. Moon-Seo, Shaundel S. Garrett |
| Source: | Educational Research: Theory and Practice. 2026 37(1):8-13. |
| Availability: | Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association. Web site: http://www.nrmera.org/educational-research-theory-practice/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Artificial Intelligence, Technology Uses in Education, Affordances, Barriers, Ethics, Integrity, Cheating, Plagiarism |
| ISSN: | 2637-8965 |
| Abstract: | This study explored college students' perceptions of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for academic purposes through semi-structured interviews. The researchers interviewed students from a regional college to understand their definitions of AI, their perceptions of its advantages and disadvantages, and their ethical concerns regarding AI use in academia. Using thematic analysis (Kiger, & Varpio, 2020), four themes emerged: (1) definitions of AI in academics, (2) advantages of using AI in academia, (3) concerns of using AI for academic integrity, and (4) impacts of AI on jobs and environment. Although students acknowledge the benefits of using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, their overall attitudes toward AI in academia were somewhat negative, particularly in relation to issues of academic integrity, lack of genuine learning, cheating, and plagiarism. Additionally, students expressed concerns about potential job displacement and the environmental impact associated with AI-related energy consumption. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505321 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study explored college students' perceptions of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for academic purposes through semi-structured interviews. The researchers interviewed students from a regional college to understand their definitions of AI, their perceptions of its advantages and disadvantages, and their ethical concerns regarding AI use in academia. Using thematic analysis (Kiger, & Varpio, 2020), four themes emerged: (1) definitions of AI in academics, (2) advantages of using AI in academia, (3) concerns of using AI for academic integrity, and (4) impacts of AI on jobs and environment. Although students acknowledge the benefits of using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, their overall attitudes toward AI in academia were somewhat negative, particularly in relation to issues of academic integrity, lack of genuine learning, cheating, and plagiarism. Additionally, students expressed concerns about potential job displacement and the environmental impact associated with AI-related energy consumption. |
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| ISSN: | 2637-8965 |
