STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

This study investigates student perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation and its implications for academic integrity within Kazakhstan’s higher education system. Through a quantitative survey methodology, data was collected from 840 undergraduate students across three major Kazakhstani universities during May 2024. The research examined patterns of AI usage, ethical considerations, and attitudes toward academic integrity in the context of emerging AI technologies.The findings reveal widespread AI adoption among students, with 90% familiar with ChatGPT and 65% utilizing AI tools at least weekly for academic purposes. Primary applications include essay writing (35%), problem-solving (25%), and idea generation (18%). Notably, while 57% of respondents perceived no significant conflict between AI usage and academic integrity principles, 96% advocated for establishing clear institutional policies governing AI implementation.The study situates these findings within Kazakhstan’s broader AI development strategy, particularly the AI Development Concept 2024-2029, while drawing comparisons with international regulatory frameworks from the United States, China, and the European Union. The research concludes that effective integration of AI in higher education requires balanced regulatory approaches that promote innovation while preserving academic integrity standards.