It is the fact that writing an essay involves far more than merely gathering facts that makes it so challenging to students, as the capability of logically constructing a coherent argument is an essential element which many students will experience difficulties in, as is often the case as a result of the volume and breadth of subject matter. The work involved was to “search, read, summarize and write”. Yet, over the last two years the pattern is beginning to change. Students are no longer working alone. They are now assisted in the learning process by AI systems. In a bid to find information faster, aid in organizing and ultimately, to finish assignments more quickly, AI systems are slowly integrating themselves into the learning of university students.
The initial curiosity surrounding AI and ChatGPT has now morphed into a more fundamental question:
How should AI contribute to the way students learn?
From Search Engine to Thinking Partner
Previously, students depended solely on search engines for information; an arduous task of simply searching, reading, summarizing and then writing a piece. The advancement in technology and the development of AI tools has changed this process. Now, students are not merely getting answers but structured replies, suggestions to argument, simplification of complex topics and their meanings.AI is becoming a ‘thinking partner’ enabling students to bypass the early research stages more quickly. However, it also introduces the element of an uncertain line being drawn between assignment assistance and dependence.
What are the reasons for the rise of AI in education ?
There are three primary reasons as to why students are readily turning to AI:
1. Time constraint
Today’s university students are burdened with the responsibility of more than just lectures and studying; they have internships, part-time jobs and leisure pursuits to fit into their schedule. AI provides a way to save time during peak periods.
2. Cognitive oversimplification
Students are often challenged with the assignment writing process because it involves much more than simply obtaining information; the ability to organize knowledge into logical arguments being a primary aspect that many students struggle with, often due to the sheer quantity and range of topics involved.
3. Accessibility of Support
Not every student has access to tutors or academic guidance. AI, in contrast, is available instantly and often at no cost.
AI-assisted workflows: The emerging pattern
The use of AI is not so much for a simple query but students are starting to employ more formal “workflows” of AI generation: generating ideas; developing an outline; expanding into drafts; improving the tone and wording. This “stage-by-stage” approach suggests a movement towards using AI in process not merely the final output. In that sense it is not the tool, but the way the tool is utilized that provides the benefit.
Efficiency with limits
No one could seriously question the ability of AI to be efficient in various ways:
- Assignments can be completed more rapidly.
- Less time is spent on early drafting.
- Students’ confidence in structuring answers is increased.
However, efficiency does not necessarily translate into genuine comprehension, and critics maintain that use of such systems may potentially diminish critical reasoning; undermine originality; and foster superficial understanding of information. The implications are most profound in fields that stress deep analytical thought over summarisation.
Academic Integrity and Ethics
This is where things become tricky, and universities are trying to figure out their stance.
Some are now saying AI can be a valid tool of study. Others have increased bans on its use. The problem being is that it’s a very gray area where the line can be drawn between assistance and academic dishonesty.
Is AI okay for brainstorming ideas?
Is AI okay for producing a full essay?
When is it no longer okay to use AI?
There isn’t a right answer and as students, we’re in a gray area where they don’t know whether we’re getting help or cheating.
A Skill, Not a Shortcut
A way that some have argued we should be looking at it, is that instead of being a shortcut, it should be treated as a skill.
Students once had to learn research skills, or how to cite an essay properly, and in the same way students will have to learn:
How to guide an AI to produce the writing we require.
How to check information to ensure its correct.
How to edit and modify an AI’s response to fit with our own voice.
Essentially, using AI to aid the thought process, rather than automating it.
Impact for Education in the future
The incorporation of AI into student work processes can also be seen as representative of the larger trend occurring within education:
If used effectively, AI could have the benefit of…
1. Reducing mundane and administrative tasks
2. Enable students to focus on complex analyses
3. Enhance accessibility
If relied on passively, AI risks enabling students to focus on the output and not on deep understanding:
The ultimate value will lie not with the technology itself, but with student and institutional adaptation:
In conclusion
The presence of AI is not likely to disappear from education, in fact it will likely increase.
The key question is not whether or not students should use AI, but rather how.
Used wisely, AI could represent an effective form of assistance, or even a tool of greater depth.
Used carelessly, AI is an unnecessary crutch that students can come to rely upon, even when a particular task would have been more beneficial if completed by the student him/her/them self.For students today learning how to differentiate between those two is becoming an important part of education.
Common Questions
How is AI used by college students today?
Students use AI tools to generate ideas, create outlines, summarize lectures, and improve writing quality. It is commonly integrated into assignments and study routines.
Why is AI becoming popular among students?
AI reduces time pressure, simplifies complex tasks, and provides instant academic assistance, making it highly attractive for students managing multiple responsibilities.
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