The impact of generative artificial intelligence on higher education students in developing cognitive skills: A mini literature review

The frequent usage of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education is increasing on a daily basis, and little is known about its effects on the cognitive skills of students. This review study focuses on the impact of GenAI on the development of cognitive skills in higher education students. Implementing the mini literature review methodology, this study analyses existing academic literature that is connected to the research questions of this review study. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse existing academic literature, identifying the key trends, benefits, challenges, and gaps. The review study found that GenAI assists in promoting personalised learning experiences, developing problem-solving skills, and providing real-time feedback, which leads to increased students’ cognitive skills development. However, the research also identified that cognitive offloading and over-reliance on GenAI can hamper the student's independent cognition, critical thinking, and deep learning. As a result, higher education institutions (HEIs) must carefully invest resources in developing the students' cognitive skills with GenAI. The review study recommends that training, careful GenAI curricular integration, and continuous investigation into the impact of GenAI on learning outcomes are necessary, as well as a comprehensive process to unpack GenAI's benefits in higher education towards building students' learning, independence, critical thinking, and creativity.