While preparing for a recent computer science midterm, Elaine Xiao found herself struggling to grasp certain concepts. To overcome this challenge, she turned to ChatGPT for a quick explanation.
Xiao, a first-year student at Duke University in North Carolina, described ChatGPT as a convenient and efficient solution during her study session, eliminating the need to scour multiple articles for answers.
She emphasized the user-friendly nature of generative AI tools, stating that they provide valuable information to enhance studying and work performance.
According to a recent survey by KPMG Canada, an increasing number of Canadian post-secondary students are using AI tools for academic purposes, with nearly three-quarters of respondents utilizing generative AI, up from 59% in the previous year.
Despite the growing adoption of AI among students, concerns persist regarding issues like cheating and the impact on critical thinking skills. Experts suggest that clearer guidelines and support from educators and institutions are necessary to address these apprehensions.
Help to ‘overcome the barriers’
Elaine Xiao expressed confidence in using AI tools within the framework set by her school and professors, viewing them as a valuable resource for enhancing her thinking process.
For instance, when tasked with creating engaging classroom activities based on assigned readings, she leveraged AI to brainstorm ideas. While acknowledging that the suggestions generated were generic, Xiao used them as a foundation to develop a specific and relevant activity for her class.
Xiao emphasized that AI tools can be instrumental in helping individuals overcome obstacles and accelerate their learning process without replacing the need for personal effort and understanding.
The KPMG Canada survey, now in its third year, revealed that most young adults reported improved grades and work performance due to the use of technology. However, a significant percentage expressed concerns about potential cheating and reduced learning efficacy when relying on AI.
Rob Clayton, KPMG’s national education lead in Canada, highlighted the importance of providing students with ethical guidelines and support to ensure responsible usage of AI.
Clayton emphasized the need for integrating AI education into daily activities, given the widespread use of technology among students. He stressed the importance of understanding students’ interactions with AI to provide effective support and guidance.
The survey also highlighted concerns among respondents about the impact of AI on future job prospects and the trust placed in technology over human judgment in certain situations. Clayton emphasized the necessity of exploring these issues further to better support students in navigating the evolving technological landscape.
“We need to delve deeper into understanding how