Abstract:

This proposal outlines a paper presentation of a study focusing on AI chatbots' role in teaching and learning practices. The study was conducted by academic developers at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), in Norway. The study explores students' perceptions and usage of AI chatbots, offering critical insights into the evolving landscape of higher education. We have a university pedagogical point of view and are interested in understanding the students' reflections on the new challenges and opportunities in teaching and learning in higher education. An important question for us is: How can we meet the needs of teachers and students, especially with regard to the impact of AI chatbots on higher education?

The purpose of the study was to:
(1) Explore the extent of students' engagement with AI chatbots in higher education
(2) Investigate students' use and perception of AI chatbots in higher education.

The mixed method study involved an anonymous survey of 2822 HVL students, combining closed and open-ended responses. We analyzed the material using frequency analysis and a descriptive content analysis.

In the session, we will give examples of how students use AI chatbots in academic writing and as a “teaching assistant” providing explanations and feedback on course content. We will also address how the students express uncertainty on how to use AI tools in an ethical sound way in writing assignments, and how only a few students report having attended classes integrating or discussing how AI chatbots can be used in academic writing or other assignments. Challenges and uncertainties regarding ethical use and academic integrity emphasize the need for guidelines for teachers and students. We will discuss implications for students, teachers, and institutional leaders. This study highlights the necessity of enhancing leaders', teachers' and students' digital competencies related to implementing AI chatbots in teaching and learning. We invite the audience to engage in a critical discussion of key questions we as educators need to address, to be able to support students in using AI chatbots in teaching and learning practices in higher education.

Keywords:

AI chatbots, Higher education, Student perceptions, Learning practices, Pedagogy, Ethical considerations.