"All Roads Lead to ChatGPT": How Generative AI is Eroding Social Interactions and Student Learning Communities
Project Overview
The document examines the transformative role of generative AI in education, especially within computing fields, where it presents both advantages and challenges. Generative AI tools facilitate personalized learning experiences and assist students with tasks like debugging, enhancing their educational journey. However, these benefits are counterbalanced by significant risks, including the potential for increased cheating, reduced peer interactions, and feelings of isolation among learners. The reliance on AI for assistance can undermine traditional social dynamics, diminishing opportunities for collaboration and mentorship, which particularly impacts underrepresented groups. The paper underscores the importance of educators finding a balance between integrating AI technologies and promoting meaningful human interactions within learning environments to ensure a holistic educational experience.
Key Applications
Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot)
Context: Undergraduate computing students across multiple universities
Implementation: Conducted semi-structured interviews to gather students' experiences with generative AI in help-seeking situations.
Outcomes: Students reported increased reliance on AI for help, leading to diminished peer interaction and feelings of isolation.
Challenges: Concerns about academic integrity, reduced motivation to learn, and the erosion of traditional peer support networks.
Implementation Barriers
Social Barrier
Students experience shame and stigma associated with using generative AI tools, fearing judgment from peers and authority figures.
Proposed Solutions: Create a culture of acceptance around the use of AI tools, emphasizing their role as learning aids rather than crutches.
Cognitive Barrier
Students may struggle with metacognitive challenges when relying on AI, losing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Proposed Solutions: Incorporate instructional strategies that encourage critical engagement with AI outputs and promote collaborative learning.
Project Team
Irene Hou
Researcher
Owen Man
Researcher
Kate Hamilton
Researcher
Srishty Muthusekaran
Researcher
Jeffin Johnykutty
Researcher
Leili Zadeh
Researcher
Stephen MacNeil
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Irene Hou, Owen Man, Kate Hamilton, Srishty Muthusekaran, Jeffin Johnykutty, Leili Zadeh, Stephen MacNeil
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai