In a recent survey conducted by McGraw Hill in collaboration with Morning Consult, it was found that 35% of college students have turned to generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT over the past year to assist them with their studies.
The study, which involved interviews with 500 undergraduate students and 200 college instructors, aimed to shed light on current trends in higher education, including student habits and mental health.
According to the survey, the majority of both students and instructors believe that AI will have a positive impact on learning in the long term. Approximately 58% of instructors and 62% of students expressed optimism about AI’s potential to enhance the learning experience, with only a minority fearing negative consequences.
The report highlighted the importance of implementing safeguards, such as using content developed and verified by trusted academic sources, to ensure the responsible use of AI tools like ChatGPT in education.
Ann Raddant, a senior teaching faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), commented on the potential of AI technology in education.
She mentioned that while AI has the capacity to improve learning and simplify instructors’ roles, educators need to acquaint themselves with the capabilities and limitations of the technology before incorporating it into coursework. Raddant also emphasized the need to educate students about what generative AI platforms can and cannot do.
The survey revealed that a significant number of students reported feeling overwhelmed (57%) and stressed (56%) due to their academic responsibilities. Notably, “mental health awareness” was identified as the top priority for higher education course material providers to address in another recent McGraw Hill survey.
These findings underscore the growing role of AI in education and the need for both educators and students to navigate this technology responsibly while addressing the mental health challenges that students often face in their academic journeys.
