Exploring the Experiences of College Students in Using ChatGPT as an Academic Support Tool: A Qualitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7i2.598Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Digital literacy, Academic Support ToolAbstract
The presence of AI-based chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT has become more visible in academic spaces with the rising popularity of generative AI tools. Students can easily utilize AI to their advantage and this might create a scenario where faculty members are thrilled as well as anxious at the same time. To get a hold of the situation, college student perceptions and uses of ChatGPT in academic work are examined in this study. It mainly focuses on users' views, uses, experiences, moods, and moral reasoning. Ten students were purposively selected from various programs of study to take part in the semi-structured interviews that formed the research. The data collected was then analyzed for patterns and shared views using thematic analysis. Students had different opinions. Some students viewed GPT as a helpful tool for coming up with new ideas, checking grammar, and revising a lesson. Besides, the problem of AI reliance for information, false information, and the ethical issue of using AI-generated work for school purposes were also raised in the study. The research highlights the need for students' digital and ethical awareness. One of the recommendations made is for the institutions to draft guidelines, and organize training sessions so that students can make a reasonable and informed use of AI tools to accomplish their study goals.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Najera Umpar, Soraya Umpar, Trish Anne Magsino, Don Emmanuel Nolasco, Daniel Abuton
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