This study investigates the underexplored area of students' personal experiences with AI language models in academic writing. Despite the growing integration of AI tools in education, the focus has mainly centered on their broader impacts from educators and policymakers, overlooking the student perspective. The research involved 23 writing students enrolled in a first-year rhetoric and composition course, ENG 101, at Minnesota State University, Mankato, encompassing both mainstream and multicultural community students. Employing qualitative methods, the study collected and analyzed reflections from students regarding their utilization of AI for assignments. This was achieved through reflective writing tasks, and individual and group conferences integral to course projects like Rhetorical Analysis and Research Field Project. The research revealed students’ perceptions of AI benefits such as content simplification, idea generation, structural support, and writing enhancement, alongside concerns over authenticity, plagiarism, and dependency. Students appreciated AI's ability to distill complex texts into understandable summaries and its assistance in brainstorming and structuring writing projects. They also valued AI for improving vocabulary, grammar, and overall writing quality. However, concerns were raised about the potential loss of personal voice and originality, ethical dilemmas around plagiarism, and the risk of becoming overly reliant on AI, potentially diminishing critical thinking skills. Based on the research outcomes, the study advocates for creating dynamic learning environments that respect ethical boundaries and uphold academic integrity. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for collaboration among educators, students, and policymakers to integrate student feedback into guidelines that support authentic AI interactions while minimizing its risks.

Authors:
Yasmine Telwana, Minnesota State University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Yasmine Telwana is a University Postgraduate Student at Minnesota State University, Mankato in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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