As the new academic year begins, Canadian students appear to be increasingly reliant on generative artificial intelligence (AI) for their studies. According to a new study by KPMG in Canada, 59% of students now report using generative AI in their academic work, a 7-percentage-point increase from last year.
Image source: The image was generated by AI, provided by the image licensing service Midjourney
Although most students believe these tools have improved the quality of their assignments and provided assistance in exams, nearly two-thirds of the respondents admit they feel their learning and knowledge retention abilities have declined.
C.J. James, leader of KPMG's education practice, stated that educators should seriously consider the challenges faced by this generation of students. While they are highly proficient in technology use, they may be lacking in essential skills such as critical thinking. More surprisingly, over 80% of students confessed that they consider content generated by AI as their original work, and most do not inform their teachers about using these tools.
According to this survey, approximately 63% of students use generative AI tools several times a week, primarily for generating ideas, conducting research, and editing assignments. Although the study shows a high level of reliance on generative AI among students, they also feel a strong sense of guilt. Nearly two-thirds of the students said they feel using generative AI is akin to cheating and worry about being caught by their teachers and facing punishment.
Overall, this study highlights the anxiety students experience over potential academic dishonesty while enjoying the convenience of technology. As AI technology continues to advance, the changes in students' learning experiences and the future of education are at a critical juncture.
Key Points:
📚59% of Canadian students use generative AI in their studies, a 7-percentage-point increase from last year.
🏆75% of students believe generative AI tools have improved the quality of their assignments, but 67% worry about the impact on their learning.
🤔82% of students admit to considering AI-generated content as their own original work, and 65% feel this constitutes cheating.