Student Perceptions and Attitudes About the Usage of Chatgpt in Online K-12 Education and Student Preferences About Learning to Use Artificial Intelligence from Teachers

This quantitative study investigates high school students’ perceptions and attitudes towards the usage of ChatGPT and other GAI tools in online K-12 education, as well as students’ preferences for learning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) from teachers. Conducted at a large virtual school on the east coast of the USA, the research focuses attention on students in grades 9-12 enrolled in Math courses. The study utilized a 9-item survey to gather data on students’ frequency of AI usage, attitudes towards AI, and student interest in receiving instruction from teachers about AI use. Key findings reveal that while a majority of students do not regularly use AI tools for academic work, there is a significant interest in learning how to effectively utilize these tools. Student participants expressed mixed attitudes towards AI, with ethical issues, loss of critical thinking skills, and over-reliance of technology being the chief concerns. Despite these concerns, many students acknowledged the potential of AI in enhancing learning experiences and expressed a desire for more structured support from educators. The study highlights the need for clear policies and educational strategies to address the ethical implications and practical applications of AI in K-12 virtual education, fostering a balanced approach that enhances learning while mitigating potential drawbacks.