CHATGPT AS A TOOL IN HIGHER EDUCATION – ANALYSIS OF STUDENT UTILIZATION AND PERCEPTION

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore how students at the Faculty of Management at the University of Gdańsk use ChatGPT, a generative AI tool, for academic purposes. The study focuses on their motivations, perceptions, and overall attitudes toward the tool in the context of higher education. Design/methodology/approach: The research combines a literature review with empirical findings from a survey conducted among 260 students. This mixed-method approach allows for an in-depth analysis of how ChatGPT is applied in academic settings. Findings: The findings indicate that ChatGPT is widely used for tasks such as quick information retrieval, writing assistance, and idea refinement. Students primarily value its efficiency and the potential to improve the quality of their work. However, concerns were also raised regarding the reliability of content, and its possible negative impact on creativity and critical thinking. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to one faculty and one institution, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider a broader sample across various academic disciplines and institutions. Practical implications: The results highlight the need for structured educational programs that support students in the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. Institutions of higher education could use these insights to develop policies and guidelines that foster thoughtful and informed integration of AI into academic practice. Social implications: This research contributes to the ongoing discussion about the societal impact of AI in education. By addressing students' concerns and behaviors, it encourages a more reflective approach to the use of generative AI and can inform future strategies for its ethical implementation. Originality/value: This paper offers a unique perspective on student interaction with generative AI, supported by empirical data. It adds value to the academic discourse by providing actionable insights for both researchers and practitioners interested in the evolving role of AI in higher education.