Students Embrace AI in Higher Education: A Closer Look

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has become a hot topic, with many critics expressing concerns about students using AI tools like ChatGPT to cheat on assessments. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture.

Students are not turning to AI out of laziness. Instead, they are responding to a complex set of circumstances shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial pressures of modern university life. The pandemic disrupted traditional education, leading to canceled exams and a shift to online assessments. This uncertainty and inconsistency in exam formats have made AI tools like ChatGPT more appealing.

In 2020, when schools closed due to the pandemic, many students, including those preparing for GCSEs and A-levels, faced significant disruptions. Teacher-assessed grades were introduced, often favoring students from well-performing private schools. The following year, exams were canceled again, and the class of 2023 was the first to return to “normal” exams. However, this return came with a harsh crackdown on grade inflation, leaving many students with lower grades than expected.

Universities also adapted to the pandemic by moving to online assessments. Even now, five years later, 70% of universities still use some form of online exams. This shift has not made university easier but has added to the uncertainty and inconsistency in how students are assessed.

The financial burden on students has also increased. Over 68% of students have part-time jobs, the highest rate in a decade. The student loan system disproportionately affects those from poorer backgrounds, with the first year of students now having to pay back their loans over 40 years instead of 30. These financial pressures mean students have less time to fully engage with their studies.

AI is a convenient and fast tool that helps students manage their time and resources. While some use it to cheat, many use it to assist with research and structure their essays. The key issue is not the tool itself but the broader context of a university system in flux.

To address the concerns around AI, universities need to establish clear guidelines and consistent exam formats. They must also recognize the role of AI in modern education and work to ensure that its use is proportionate and ethical. AI is here to stay, and it is changing what it means to be a student in the digital age.

Understanding the reasons behind students' use of AI is crucial for developing effective policies. By addressing the underlying issues of uncertainty and financial precarity, universities can better support students in their academic journey.