THE USE OF 3D PRINTING AS A DIDACTIC TOOL IN TECHNICAL DRAWING EDUCATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ECODESIGN

This study explores the transformative role of Generative AI (GAI) in university students' academic projects, focusing on its potential to enhance creativity, idea generation, and research processes.The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a thorough understanding of their benefits and challenges in educational contexts.The research investigates how GAI tools like ChatGPT and AI-driven design platforms can facilitate creative problem-solving and streamline research practices.It addresses key questions about GAI's influence on student creativity, its perceived benefits and challenges, and effective integration strategies for educators.Drawing on recent literature (Zawacki-Richter et al., 2024;Luckin et al., 2022), the study reveals that GAI enhances students' creativity, streamlines research processes, and offers personalized learning experiences.However, it also raises ethical concerns and challenges related to academic integrity.The author emphasises the urgent need for comprehensive lecturer training on GAI to enable effective integration into classroom instruction and assessment practices.This approach is crucial for developing students' AI literacy and mitigating potential over-reliance on technology.The study recommends a balanced curriculum that leverages AI's creative potential while addressing its limitations, ultimately encouraging responsible and innovative use of these emerging technologies in higher education.