Students do not want AI to replace human instructors in the future — YSU Associate Professor Gayane Tovmasyan

Gayane Tovmasyan's article, titled "Higher Education in Armenia Adopting AI and Digital Technologies: Students' Experiences and Perspectives", was published in the internationally recognized journal Issues in Educational Research.

– What methodology did you use to conduct the research? Since when have university students been using artificial intelligence, and in what cases? 

– Considering that in recent years artificial intelligence has "invaded" almost all spheres of our lives, including education, I decided to study the extent to which students use artificial intelligence and digital technologies during their studies. I conducted the research at four state higher education institutions in Armenia through interviews. The results show that 65% of students believe the use of digital technologies has improved their academic performance, while 18.5% say the improvement has been very significant. Only 16.5% believe there has been no impact. It is also noteworthy that no one believes their academic performance has worsened due to the use of digital technologies.

Students have started using artificial intelligence tools in the past few years, mainly due to the spread of ChatGPT. Specifically, 83.5% of students use ChatGPT primarily for the following cases: research (searching for information, preparing literature reviews and similar tasks), generating ideas, understanding complex academic assignments, and correcting grammatical and editorial errors. Seventy percent of students consider ChatGPT very useful for academic work.

– Based on the data you mentioned, can we conclude that students view the widespread use of AI in higher education positively?

– Overall, about 60% of students rated the increasing role of artificial intelligence in education as positive or highly positive. Seventy percent believe that the role of artificial intelligence in higher education will be very large over the next five years.

– On the one hand, AI use can be beneficial, for example, in gaining additional knowledge on a topic; on the other hand, it can discourage students from making efforts and developing. What conclusion have you reached on this issue?

– Yes, you are absolutely right. During the research, I also identified the advantages and the main challenges of artificial intelligence from students' perspective.

The advantages mentioned include increased access to educational resources, personalized learning experiences adapted to individual needs, the use of diverse learning styles, time savings through automation, flexibility, and more.

The main challenges of using digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education include technical problems, concerns about data privacy and security, a lack of personal interaction with instructors and classmates, ethical concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence, dependence on AI tools, and more.

– The constant use of artificial intelligence in the academic field is inevitable. What role do instructors play in ensuring that students use AI tools correctly and to the benefit of their education? More generally, how should AI be used to the benefit of both students and instructors?

– It is noteworthy that although students actively use artificial intelligence during their studies, about 90% said they do not want artificial intelligence to replace human instructors in the future. This is already important, as they understand that instructors have their own role, and artificial intelligence should be used in a way that benefits both students and instructors. 

It is important to maintain a balance between AI-driven systems and human interaction. Although artificial intelligence can automate processes and offer personalized learning experiences, instructors play a central role in the educational process as mentors who can contribute to the development of students' critical thinking, analytical and other skills.

Students also proposed that universities use AI-based chatbots on a 24/7 basis to provide academic and administrative support and efficiently address frequently asked questions.

In summary, there is no alternative to the use of artificial intelligence; the entire world is moving in this direction. Therefore, universities must effectively integrate these technologies into the educational process, create appropriate infrastructure, and improve the digital skills and competencies of both students and instructors.

Gayane Tovmasyan has also conducted a similar study among instructors to understand how they assess the role of artificial intelligence in educational processes. The results of that research will be published soon in the same journal, Issues in Educational Research, which was founded in 1991 by the Western Australian Institute for Educational Research.