Students Embrace AI Skills in Education
A recent study indicates that half of university students consider mastering AI to be the most critical skill they can acquire during their studies.
The survey, which included 2,000 students enrolled in higher education, also found that 62% believe understanding how to use AI responsibly is vital for future career success.
Interestingly, educators seem to share mixed feelings about their institutions’ tech adoption. Only 28% of educators feel their schools are lagging behind when it comes to embracing new technologies.
Moreover, nearly three-quarters of students (73%) reported that their schools have established AI policies. Among these policies, some permit AI use for specific tasks (30%), while others allow broader usage as long as it is cited appropriately (31%).
However, around 32% of students are in environments where the policy simply states, “Don’t use AI.”
A notable 69% of students within schools that have AI policies mention that “all” or “most” professors discuss these guidelines. Yet, only 11% of professors admit to encouraging AI usage.
Commissioned by Grammarly and conducted by Talker Research, this study sheds light on the growing role of AI in education and ongoing discussions surrounding its responsible use.
About one-third of students (34%) report feeling “very confident” in using AI ethically for school-related tasks. Overall, 87% use AI for academic purposes, while 90% utilize it to manage everyday life, averaging around five hours weekly for educational tasks and another five hours for non-academic activities.
Yet, 55% of these students confess they feel somewhat lost in this new terrain without adequate guidance.
Nearly half (46%) say they worry about potential issues arising from AI use, but, in reality, only 10% actually face problems.
Jenny Maxwell, Grammarly’s Head of Education, noted, “AI is no longer just a theoretical concept in education; it’s a key part of how students are now learning and preparing for their futures.” She emphasized that many students feel they are navigating AI without clear direction and are concerned about facing consequences, which calls for institutions to provide more support.
As schools continue to refine their approaches to AI, students are adopting technology swiftly.
Research suggests that many students find AI use generally acceptable (37%) if it’s disclosed among peers. Just 25% consider their AI usage to be dishonest.
Additionally, 22% believe their peers view their schools as smart and efficient for integrating AI.
The top three ways students currently employ AI include brainstorming (49%), grammar and spelling checks (42%), and helping decipher complex concepts from classes (41%).
On another note, 29% utilize AI when feeling embarrassed to ask someone directly, while 25% seek general life advice.
Maxwell added, “AI is becoming a trustworthy partner for students, whether it’s overcoming writer’s block or answering questions they’re hesitant to pose in class. This enthusiastic embrace of AI offers educators a significant opportunity to enhance learning and support students in achieving long-term success.”
Top 10 ways students use AI
1. Help me brainstorm ideas – 49%
2. Spelling and Grammar – 42%
3. Understanding difficult concepts from my class – 41%
4. Understanding difficult concepts outside of school (tax, finances, travel, etc.) – 35%
5. Help me to express my thoughts and ideas (once brainstormed) – 34%
6. What’s embarrassing to ask someone directly – 29%
7. General Life Advice (help me with 5-year plans, etc.) – 25%
8. Resume support – 25%
9. Creating a Notecard or Other Research Tool – 24%
10. Helping you prepare for an interview – 22%
Research method:
The Talker survey targeted 2,000 Americans over 18 who are pursuing higher education, like bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The survey was commissioned by Grammarly and conducted online by Talker Research from July 1st to July 9th.
