Abstract:

In recent years, artificial intelligence tools have gained significant relevance in both everyday life and educational settings, where they are emerging as powerful resources. It is increasingly important for students to learn to use these tools as complementary aids, allowing them to understand their advantages and limitations. This approach aims to equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions on the effective use of AI as a relevant tool within their professional and academic pursuits.

The course “Diagnostics and Service Behavior,” part of the Master’s program in Engineering, Processing, and Materials Characterization, incorporates AI, specifically ChatGPT, as a support tool in laboratory practices. The main objective is to enable students to develop critical thinking skills and engage in comparative analyses between the knowledge gained in class and the information provided by AI tools. This integration promotes the critical evaluation of information and a deeper understanding of AI’s strengths and limitations, enriching the learning experience.

During laboratory sessions, students compare information obtained through AI with conventional academic sources (such as Web of Science) and the concepts taught in class. This process is conducted under the guidance of the instructor, who facilitates the validation and analysis of concepts to ensure a safe and focused learning environment. Additionally, AI provides practical examples and real-world cases within business contexts, allowing students to observe concrete applications and contextualize theoretical knowledge in real scenarios.

The results of this initiative have been encouraging. Students have shown increased engagement and satisfaction with the course content, demonstrating a growing interest as they progress through the laboratory sessions. Furthermore, academic performance has notably improved in the area of oral presentations: students have developed enhanced skills in information search, analysis, and comparison, which is evident in their oral evaluations compared to previous cohorts. In conclusion, using AI as a support tool in this course has enriched the learning process and fostered a more reflective and critical approach to information, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive and meaningful educational experience.

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence tools, Critical thinking, Laboratory practices, Comparative analysis, Learning experience.