Experience and attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence in higher education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is associated with opportunities as well as challenges. In this study, we explored attitudes toward and use of AI among students and teachers in higher education one year after the launch of ChatGPT. A survey was conducted among students (n = 74) and teachers (n = 72) in the fall of 2023. Only one student in our sample, and no teachers, used AI daily, while 31% of students and 26% of teachers reported monthly or weekly use. The most common uses of AI among students were related to exam preparation and assignment writing, while teachers used AI most frequently to prepare lectures and for proofreading. AI was also used for advanced purposes, such as generating ideas. Both students and teachers were somewhat critical of AI but also saw its potential positive effects in higher education. Students trusted information provided by AI more than teachers did and were also more in favor of strict regulation of AI. We found that for both groups, increased AI use was associated with more positive attitudes toward AI. Results from this study show a broad consensus between students’ and teachers’ use of and attitudes toward AI. The skepticism surrounding the use of AI in higher education shows that there is a need for clear guidelines and better training on the use of AI in an academic context, and the data underscore the importance of critical thinking and reflection related to the use of AI in learning and teaching contexts.