Students most often use ChatGPT for brainstorming, summarising texts, research when writing scientific texts. Students use the tool willingly and with curiosity, but are aware of its limitations, according to research conducted in 109 countries.
'People are divided into those who already use AI tools, and those who will use them', research participant Professor Artur Strzelecki from the University of Economics in Katowice assures in an interview with PAP. As for students - he reports - almost all of them use ChatGPT.
In a large international study, nearly 150 scientists surveyed 23,000 students about their use of ChatGPT in their studies. The study was published in PLOS One.
Students mainly used ChatGPT for brainstorming and coming up with new ideas (29 percent), summarising long texts (27 percent), and searching for information for scientific papers (25 percent). One in five respondents also used ChatGPT as: help with writing texts at university - term papers and scientific articles, revising knowledge for exams, translating from one language to another, seeking advice on personal matters, writing programming codes, and proofreading texts. ChatGPT was less popular as a tool for writing official texts (e.g. emails), solving math problems, and in creativity (composing stories, poems). This may mean that students still rely more on their own abilities than on AI capabilities when it comes to expression, the researchers comment in PlosOne.
Students recognised ChatGPT as a valuable tool for breaking down difficult concepts and condensing large amounts of information into more manageable forms, but were less likely to believe that ChatGPT could 'provide reliable information and support traditional classroom learning'.
Two-thirds of the respondents considered it necessary for students to take appropriate measures to protect their private information when using ChatGPT. About half of the respondents believed that universities and research institutions should issue guidelines on how ChatGPT may be used in academic work. Every second respondent also believed that students should consult with lecturers on the extent to which they use ChatGPT in research work.
'Students should remember that not everything that AI generates is true', Professor Artur Strzelecki reminds. He emphasises how important it is to be sensitive to so-called AI hallucinations. In its statements, AI sometimes makes up information and presents it as if it were true. However, not everything that is written in a professional, careful language is true.
Ludwika Tomala (PAP)
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