What are the perceptions and attitudes of college students towards AI?  

Throughout my reading I noticed patterns in the way college students addressed the use of AI. One source, Baek, Tate, & Warschauer (2024, p 6), stated that “A non-native speaker ... utilized ChatGPT to ‘make sure my sentences are grammatical or to check if what I am saying is ok’”.  AI in this instance is a tool used to enhance efficiency. On the other hand Wan (2024), stated that students overlook the unreliability that comes with using AI. This is an important consideration as it compromises the skill that is source literacy. Both these sources highlight the student trend that is using technological resources as assistance. We can begin to realize the value we put on ChatGPT over its questionable credibility.  

What ethical considerations arise when students use AI?  

There was a lot of points made in the readings concerning ethical implications of AI use in academic environments. One of the sources by, Sullivan, Kelly, & McLaughlan (2023), highlights the potential this technology has developed, such as passing key exams required in higher education fundamentally jeopardizing any academic integrity. Furthermore, in the article written by Kumar, Kumar, Bhoyar (2024), they detail the dangers that come from trusting algorithms. They argue over the handling of our information, right vs. wrong and the way this may compromise our educational environment and even world civilization. Both these sources argue individual dangers affecting education. Nonetheless, to further address potential dangers all are necessary to consider.  

What are the long-term effects of AI usage on the cognitive development of college students?   

Throughout the readings authors emphasize the unknown of future repercussions but rather take to assuming with what we know today. In one article by Baek, Tate, & Warschauer (2024, p. 5), it is observed by one of the writers that “ I have spent a lot of time refining my writing skills, and ChatGPT may make that skill obsolete”. In a similar regard students now have a “goal of getting a ‘good grade’, as opposed to trying to understand material.” This quote from, Sullivan, Kelly, & McLaughlan (2023, p. 4), speaks about the impact that AI has on learning attitude. All in all, these sources encapsulate the dangers education faces when AI is taken full advantage of. Lost cognition and academic value seem to be put at risk.  

Take as an example, a study that focused on the aid that AI gives non-native English speakers. According to the study, many students testified to using AI for help in checking and improving grammar, vocabulary, and overall writing composition (Baek et al., 2024). This is a rather significant tool for students who in the case of the United States, English might not be their first language. In the experience of these learners, having direct access to an AI assistant aids the language gap. In providing immediate feedback self doubt in your work disappears making the language learning experience that much more facilitated and encouraging. This way AI has made the learning process more accessible and inclusive.

Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Bhoyar, S. and Mishra, A.K. (2024), “Does ChatGPT foster academic misconduct in the future?”, Public Administration and Policy: An Asia-pacific Journal, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 140-153 https://doi.org/10.1108/PAP-05-2023-0061

Lira, B., Rogers, T., Goldstein, D. G., Ungar, L., & Duckworth, A. L. (2025). Learning not cheating: AI assistance can enhance rather than hinder skill development. https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2502.02880

Sullivan, M., Kelly, A., & McLaughlan, P. (2023). ChatGPT in higher education: Considerations for academic integrity and student learning. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 31–40. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3501&context=ecuworks2022-2026

Wan, S. (2024). The Jack in the Black Box: Teaching College Students to Use ChatGPT Critically. Information Technology and Libraries, 43(3). https://doi.org/10.5860/ital.v43i3.17234

To address these concerns, my research encapsulates the potential AI has in educational settings. In a lot of ways highlighting AI its advantages would make the best option. Rather than disregarding its potential a futuristic take would involve learning how to implement its benefits thoughtfully. Improved productivity, support and efficient work are major benefits. Although a not traditional learning tool, addressing responsible ways to navigate it instills proper regulation and guidance for students. This can only further the future of education.