Integration of AI-based applications in education: how students feel about the ChatGPT era?

Purpose This study aims to investigate the awareness, utilisation, perception and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among graduate students across various universities in Northeast India. In addition, it delves into the challenges they encounter while integrating AI into their education and learning. Design/methodology/approach This study used a survey method to investigate how students at Northeast Indian Universities perceived the incorporation of AI and assessed its impact on their educational activities. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered for the study using a questionnaire. After administering the constructed questionnaire, 175 responses were received out of the calculated sample size of 384 respondents. The data was statistically analysed using Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Programme (JASP) (Version 0.16.3.0; JASP Team, 2022) and MAXQDA 24 (VERBI Software, 2024). Findings The findings reveal that male students are relatively more aware of using AI tools in academic writing, with mean scores ranging from 2.394 to 3.385, compared to female respondents. ChatGPT, QuillBot and Grammarly were the most prominent tools they were accessing via their smartphones. The qualitative analysis of two open-ended questions revealed mixed perceptions towards the use of AI indicating that its usage is beneficial only for a shorter period. Several issues were highlighted like inadequate technical assistance, skills constraints, poor connectivity and infrastructure. These have been categorised into positive and negative opinions in recognising AI’s educational potential. Originality/value This study revolves around the adoption of AI in Northeast India, a unique region with distinct geographical and demographic characteristics. It aims to understand how students of the select region use AI and its impact on educational settings – a first of its kind to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Moreover, this study sheds light on the potential difficulties, and perspectives influencing the landscape of AI integration in education, providing insightful information about the dynamics of AI usage in educational contexts.