"EVERYONE IS USING IT, SO I STARTED TOO": AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES ON LEARNING AND THE APPLICATION OF AI AT COLLEGE

Vanesa Varga, Katarina Dadić, Dora Brozović

Abstract


This study explores how university students in Croatia use artificial intelligence (AI) for educational purposes, focusing on the AI tools they use, how they learned about them, the ways they apply AI in their studies, and their overall perspectives on its use. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with 24 students from various Croatian universities, the research found that ChatGPT is by far the most commonly used AI tool, followed by Perplexity and several specialized AI applications. Students primarily learned about AI through professors, classmates, and media. The findings show that students mainly use AI to support learning by summarizing texts, finding information and academic references, translating content, brainstorming ideas, and improving academic writing rather than completing assignments for them. Most participants viewed AI as a helpful tool that saves time, improves understanding of complex topics, and enhances productivity. However, they also expressed concerns about its limitations, including inaccurate information, weaker performance in technical tasks, and the potential negative impact on critical thinking, independent learning, and academic integrity. The study concludes that AI has become a normal part of students' academic lives but is generally viewed as a support tool rather than a replacement for independent learning. The findings highlight the importance of developing AI literacy in higher education by teaching students how to use AI responsibly, ethically, and critically while encouraging universities to provide clearer guidance on its appropriate use.

Keywords


AI, ChatGPT, education, higher education

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i9.6966

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