Generative AI Use in an EdD Program

Generative AI has emerged as a tool to assist doctoral students as they conduct academic research and writing. In this study, we explored two ways AI has been used by students in our EdD program—informally and independently and in a more formalized, guided manner. First, we found students have been engaged in self-directed, informal, independent use of AI tools like Grammarly and Wordtune to aid them with writing. Other students used AI to summarize information from research studies and locate research articles. To be competitive, they believed that they needed to learn more about AI and its use. Second, we obtained data for students’ use of AI as they searched for theories to inform their research efforts. They were more confident to try out and utilize AI when instructors introduced it. Results indicated students found this use to be extremely helpful and a necessary tool for students in EdD programs.