We are in an era marked by a blend of uncertainty and optimism, where the vast potential of AI pushes us towards a future filled with possibilities. It is important that we navigate this new wave of digital transformation with caution, fully aware of the profound implications AI holds for society.
“AI has significantly impacted education, by bringing operational efficiencies and fostering learning environments. However, uncertainties remain. Professors are unsure how AI's evolution will change teaching, and students feel both apprehensive and curious about using AI in their coursework,” says Ilva Peci, Associate Director, Solutions Architect and recent graduate of the University’s Digital Transformation and Innovation Masters program.
AI’s impact and usage in higher education are explored in the current research of University of Ottawa associate professor Umar Ruhi, part-time professor Kimberly Nault, and research assistant Maria Luisa Nieto-Taborda. Their exploratory study focuses on analyzing student feedback and experiences in utilizing AI tools in a graduate-level research-method class of 62 students. The students were polled before and after the use of the AI tools in their literature review research project.
In this study, the professors found that before using the tools, only 42% of the students believed the AI tools would be useful for research purposes and writing assistance. However, following the introduction of the tools, 82% of students found them useful or partially useful in for tasks like research, drafting or editing text. For some, the question of whether AI tools can be used ethically, without overcoming the boundaries of academic integrity, loomed in their minds. Moreover, some also expressed concerns about potential overreliance on these technologies.
The study also found that students’ confidence in AI tools for literature reviews rose from 39.3% to 50%, finding them reliable or partially reliable after use. However, students caution that AI tools are prone to generating fictitious content and should be used carefully.
Overall, the students found AI more beneficial for writing than research, with perceptions of reliability decreasing for quality research responses. Nearly 69% agreed AI tools were reliable or partially reliable for research writing but emphasized the need for subject knowledge to identify false information. Almost 69% of students agree that AI tools were reliable or partially reliable for their research writing purposes.
The exploratory study clearly outlines benefits of using AI for writing purposes, however, caution is needed for literature research purposes. A full study will be conducted this fall. As AI is deeply integrated into our educational practices, we must be mindful on over-reliance of these tools and the potential impact on critical thinking and problem-solving skills – not only to students, but to all humankind.