Study Buddy Raises Serious Questions: How University Students Tackled AI with ChatGPT in Their First Semester

A recent study conducted in Australia has shed light on how university students are approaching the use of AI-based technology in their studies. The study, which surveyed 78 students and 32 academics from all states and territories, found that almost half of all respondents had not yet tried or used generative AI. Of this group, 85% did not intend to use the technology at university this year. The research suggests that students may be concerned that its use will be viewed as cheating. The students surveyed who do use the technology described it as a helpful launch pad that can provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. However, confusion remains among students about how the technology can and should be used, with only 46% agreeing that generative AI should be allowed for assessment purposes. The study will continue to monitor how students and academics use generative AI as we move into the second semester, and the authors have invited further contributions to their survey.