35% of college students are using AI tools to help them with their studies

The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on students, pushing them towards uncharted territories of online learning amidst persistent disruptions. This shift has inevitably led to what's known as "pandemic learning loss." In their quest to reclaim lost ground, students are increasingly leaning on innovative solutions like generative AI.

A recent McGraw Hill survey, facilitated by Morning Consult, delved deep into the evolving landscape of higher education. The study polled 500 undergraduate students and 200 college instructors, shedding light on emerging trends in student habits, mental health, and more.

It turns out that a significant chunk of students—one in five, to be precise—have felt the academic pinch due to learning loss triggered by the pandemic. Meanwhile, a striking 34% of instructors believe that virtually all or most of their students have faced similar struggles.

In an effort to mitigate these challenges and close the learning gap, students are increasingly turning to a variety of online tools and social media platforms. As Simon Allen, the CEO of McGraw Hill, points out, "Despite the many challenges students and educators face, including COVID-related learning disruptions and the growing mental health crisis on college campuses, the learning technologies we're building today can help support students on their unique paths to success in the future."

Students Embrace AI and Social Media for Learning

The survey revealed that a whopping four out of five students have utilized social media or ChatGPT to bolster their studies and access class-related content. In the past year alone, 35% of students have turned to ChatGPT or other AI chatbots to assist with their schoolwork.

Despite the potential pitfalls of using generative AI—such as concerns over cheating, misinformation, and accuracy—the general sentiment towards these tools remains overwhelmingly positive. Both students and instructors are looking at the long-term benefits, with 62% of students and 58% of instructors believing that AI will ultimately enhance learning more than it will pose negative consequences.

Trust in AI Tools

Moreover, the survey found that AI tools, particularly those utilizing content developed and vetted by reputable academic sources, could significantly boost confidence and comfort levels among both students and instructors. Specifically, 39% of students and 46% of instructors expressed greater ease with AI tools when the content is from trusted academic sources.

As we navigate these challenging times, it's clear that while the pandemic has introduced significant hurdles, it has also spurred a wave of innovation in education. Students and educators alike are finding new ways to adapt and thrive, with AI playing a pivotal role in this transformation.