An Examination of Faculty and Students Perspectives on the Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing or Hindering Educational Experience in eLearning

The study explored student and faculty perspectives on using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, like ChatGPT, in eLearning. Understanding stakeholder views is essential for the effective integration of these technologies in education. The research highlighted opportunities and challenges, with faculty expressing concerns about GenAI's impact on critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic integrity, including plagiarism. Despite this, faculty acknowledged its potential to enhance personalized learning and instructional practices, noting the need for formal training. Students viewed GenAI as a valuable tool for simplifying concepts, generating ideas, and improving learning experiences, reporting higher adoption rates for assignments and research. Ethical concerns, like overreliance on AI and reduced independent learning, were shared by both groups. The study emphasized the importance of clear guidelines, responsible usage, and training programs to address these challenges. By fostering ethical integration, educational institutions can harness GenAI's potential to enhance engagement and learning while preserving educational integrity.