Unleashing AI in Education: A Comparative Analysis of Malaysian University Student Engagement and Learning Support between Google Gemini and ChatGPT

This study examines Malaysian university students’ engagement with two AI-based learning tools, ChatGPT and Google Gemini, focusing on learning support, usability, and emotional responses. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews and a focus group with ten undergraduates from diverse disciplines at a higher education institution in Penang, Malaysia. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) engagement through interaction, (2) diverse learning experiences, (3) usability and accessibility, and (4) emotional impact. The findings suggest that ChatGPT provides effective conversational support, while Google Gemini offers richer multimodal resources but presents usability challenges. The study underscores the importance of training and technical support in optimizing these tools’ educational potential. Although the small, context-specific sample limits generalizability, the research offers early insights into how Malaysian undergraduates navigate AI-assisted learning. Future studies should involve larger, more diverse samples to deepen understanding and guide the effective integration of AI in higher education.