To use or not to use ChatGPT and assistive artificial intelligence tools in higher education institutions? The modern-day conundrum – students’ and faculty’s perspectives

Abstract

Students’ use of Artificial Intelligence tools to complete assignments spawns issues in academic integrity. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ and faculty’s perspectives on the benefits and challenges of using ChatGPT and assistive Artificial intelligence (AI) tools to complete assignments. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative methodology study encompassed interviews with eight students who used Large Language Models (LLMs) AI tools to complete their assignments and nine students who did not. It also contains interviews with six Faculty and their perspectives on students’ use of Large Language Models (LLMs) AI tools to complete their assignments and their thoughts on the benefits and challenges. The participants were purposively selected. The data were coded based on Braun and Clarke’s (2013) six steps in thematic analysis. Descriptive, in vivo, and evaluative coding were used. Additionally, data were examined semantically and latently using reductionist analysis to determine the final themes. Five components of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTTAUT) were applied to the data collected and provided the framework for the study. Behavioural intention served as the foundation. Effort and Performance Expectancies, and facilitating conditions were exemplified in participants’ responses about the use of ChatGPT, Grammarly, and other AI assistive tools, plagiarism/academic integrity, and social influence were indicated when participants (both Students and Faculty) suggested the need for the development of policies and procedures toward the appropriate use of AI tools. Effort and performance expectancies and habits were found in the data collected in the form of consideration of the pros of using AI tools such as ChatGPT and assistive tools. These include the time saved by generating information, examples for both students and Faculty, and help in the teaching/learning process, and one participant found that it motivated her. The cons cited were students’ lack of creativity and the inability to think critically, the cost of the AI assistive tools (related to the component Price), the bandwidth needed to use them, the digital divide, and the false information generated. This study has significance for the use of ChatGPT and assistive AI tools in education and the ethical implications. It is recommended that specific policies be established and enacted to ensure the appropriate use of assistive and Artificial Intelligence (LLMs) tools.