College students utilizing AI has become a prevalent phenomenon. In the fall of last year, California State University, the largest university system in the United States, demonstrated this, when it conducted what CSU Chancellor Mildred García regarded as “the most expansive survey to date on the use of artificial intelligence in higher education.” Over 80,000 students from 22 CSU campuses responded, and what was found is that 53% of student respondents use AI on a regular basis, and 84% of student respondents use ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot.
The widespread use of AI chatbots and other AI technology has resulted in continuing discussions about AI’s integration into higher education, with students sharing optimistic views on AI’s potential to enhance learning, as well as concerns about AI’s impact on academic integrity and critical thinking. So, how do Foothill students weigh in?
“I feel like students could utilize AI for learning, but to an extent,” expressed Isabelle Lau, a biology major. “For example, it could be used for brainstorming ideas for writing, but not writing for you. Also, in bio, it can help you with science-related questions, but it’s really easy to get misinformation from it as well. So I guess it could be utilized in certain ways, but maybe its utilization should be minimized,” Lau explained.
“I think there are some good uses for AI, but it’s often used to get out of work,” stated Analiesse Sehoenen, who’s also majoring in biology. “I think it can be used to practice things and have stuff explained, which is a good use,” Sehoenen added.” But using AI to get through assignments more quickly impacts learning retention a lot,”
“I think it’s a good tool to use to help study,” said Nara Cammack, an economics major. “I think the complete rejection of AI is going to get students in trouble later in their careers, since it is becoming very integrated with our society. Not teaching students how to use AI appropriately will set them behind in the future, especially when younger generations who have always had AI start to come into the workforce,”
“I feel like it highly depends on the way that you’re using it,” stated Ulysses Penn, another biology major. “When you use AI to do your work for you, you’re not learning anything, and the value in a college education comes from the skills that you learn from it,” Penn added
“I think it’s a tool like a lot of other things,” remarked SriVishnu Chadalavada, who is applying for Foothill’s Veterinary Technology program. “If it’s not misused, it should be used.”
These responses reflect that Foothill students’ perspectives are non-dichotomous. As these students expressed, AI can be both a tool and a trouble in learning, depending on how students use it.
If you are a Foothill College student and are wondering if you can or should utilize AI to complete coursework, review your course syllabi, as instructors often list their AI policy in them. Alternatively, you can speak with your instructors as well, as they might be able to provide more specific guidelines on the use of AI in their course.