While preparing for a recent computer science midterm, Elaine Xiao encountered difficulties grasping certain concepts. To overcome this hurdle during her study session, she turned to ChatGPT for a quick explanation.
According to Xiao, using ChatGPT was a convenient and efficient solution compared to scouring through multiple articles for an answer. She emphasized that the tool communicated complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner.
Expressing her thoughts, the first-year Duke University student in North Carolina commended generative AI tools for providing valuable information to enhance studying and work performance.
“AI serves as a useful tool that supports us,” she remarked.
An increasing number of Canadian post-secondary students are embracing AI for educational purposes and are eager to explore further opportunities to leverage its capabilities. A recent survey conducted by KPMG Canada revealed that nearly three-quarters of young adults utilize generative AI tools for their academic tasks, marking an increase from 59 percent in the previous year.
Despite the growing reliance on AI, students express concerns about issues such as cheating and potential impacts on critical thinking skills. Experts believe that more guidance and support from educators and institutions are essential to address these apprehensions.
Students in Toronto and Calgary share their experiences with using AI for academic tasks and their perspectives on the technology.
Assistance in Overcoming Challenges
With explicit guidelines from her school and instructors on the appropriate use of AI, Xiao feels confident utilizing it as a tool to stimulate thinking processes.
For instance, when tasked with creating engaging classroom activities based on assigned readings, Xiao employed AI to brainstorm ideas. While acknowledging that the suggestions generated were generic, she found them helpful in providing a foundation upon which she could develop specific and relevant content for her class.
Xiao emphasized the value of AI in aiding her progress by facilitating the resolution of challenges encountered during her academic journey. She highlighted the importance of using AI to accelerate learning without compromising on the acquisition of knowledge.
Results from the KPMG Canada survey, now in its third year, indicate that the majority of young adults credit AI technology for improving their academic performance and grades. However, a significant portion express concerns about potential cheating and a perceived decrease in their learning efficiency.
Addressing this disparity, Rob Clayton, KPMG’s national education lead in Canada, emphasized the need for educational institutions to provide clear guidelines on the ethical use of AI to ensure students utilize the technology appropriately.