The effectiveness of using ChatGPT as a reference source in supporting students' academic courses: an experimental study

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using generative artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) technology as a reference source in supporting the learning of the "Specialized Sources and References" course among fourth-year students in the Libraries and Information Division, Department of Documents, Libraries and Information, Faculty of Arabic Language, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch. The study seeks to analyze the extent to which students rely on ChatGPT technology in searching for concepts and reference information, and to compare the content it provides with traditional sources Measuring the impact of its use on developing skills to distinguish between types of sources and references, , identifying the most prominent challenges they face, and proposing mechanisms to employ it effectively in academic specialization. The study followed the experimental approach, and the study sample included (60) students, including (30 students) for the experimental group, which used ChatGPT technology as an auxiliary source in studying the course included in the training program, and the control group (30 students) relied on traditional paper and digital sources, and the data was collected using a controlled questionnaire that was applied before and after, while the results revealed a noticeable improvement in the performance of the experimental group after using ChatGPT The degree of approval of the tool's effectiveness in enhancing comparison skills between sources in terms of reliability and validity increased from (43.3%) to (73.3%), and the arithmetic mean improved from (2.17) to (2.67). The results showed a positive trend towards integrating the tool into curricula, and the effectiveness of training workshops in raising the efficiency of use. The study recommended integrating ChatGPT technology and artificial intelligence tools into courses of a reference and research nature. Organize regular training programs for students and faculty on the proper academic use of artificial intelligence technologies.