Generative AIs in Higher Education

Students versus Faculty

Resumo

This study investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence (gAI) in higher education, with a specific focus on the dynamics between students and faculty. Through an in-depth analysis, it examines the adoption and application of gAIs, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, across a range of academic disciplines, emphasizing both their potential and limitations. Utilizing the Cognitive Mediation Networks Theory (CMNT), the research aims to elucidate the influence of gAIs on cognitive processes and the educational landscape as a whole. A comparative analysis is conducted on the engagement levels with gAIs among students and professors, utilizing a convenience sample of 132 participants. The findings indicate no significant differences in the extent of gAI interaction between the two groups; however, students demonstrate a more diverse range of applications, suggesting a deeper integration of these technologies in their academic pursuits. The study posits that generational variations in cognitive adaptation and technological familiarity may explain the differential assimilation of gAI between students and faculty. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the role of gAI in shaping educational practices and cognitive development in the context of higher education.