By Casper Birk, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: AAU

Generative AI has become a natural part of student life for the vast majority of students at Aalborg University. In a questionnaire survey, 80 percent believe that the technology has the potential to promote their learning, and almost as many students believe that they are good or very good at using generative AI critically and responsibly.  

"If we succeed in linking the students' experiences and engagement with an even clearer framework, AI can become a powerful tool for learning," says Thomas Ryberg, Professor of Digital Learning at Aalborg University.  

The survey is the first of its kind among the country's universities. More than 4200 students and a total of 766 teachers responded to the survey.  

Wants to use generative AI – but be on the safe side

Although the use of AI is widespread, the uncertainty is almost as great. More than half of the students state that the worry of being falsely accused of cheating is a major part of how they approach their studies.

"There have been times when I could have used AI, but didn't because I'm afraid of breaking some rules," says Oliver Richard Lundstrøm, who is studying "Design and Application of Artificial Intelligence" in the second semester.

Caroline Tang Madsen, who is studying Medicine in the sixth semester, has the same opinion.

"I’d really like to use AI to help me learn and to structure my studies, not to cheat. But I think it's unclear exactly where the line is," she says.

It is not only that the students experience uncertainty about the rules. The study points to a more fundamental challenge in the education system.

"AI challenges some very basic ways we think about teaching and evaluation. There is no single solution, and we’re not yet at the finish line. And we won’t be. Because we see task of developing the degree programmes so that they remain up-to-date and relevant as continuous, especially in the age of generative AI," says Thomas Ryberg.

AI has potential and risks – and requires courage

Therefore, according to the study, we need to be even clearer on guidelines and strengthen the dialogue between students and teachers as the technology develops.

Aalborg University has already implemented a number of initiatives since ChatGPT entered the picture in 2022 and released generative AI out into society. Among other things, targeted training courses have been held for both students and teachers, websites have been established with information about AI guidelines, and curricula, learning objectives and exam formats have been reviewed. At the same time, new projects have been launched to further strengthen the efforts.

"AI places new demands on teaching, supervision and assessment. If the technology is to support learning and creativity, we are by no means done investing in technology and competence development. We must dare to be curious about the education of the future as well as the potentials and risks associated with generative AI," says Anne Marie Kanstrup, Pro-rector for Education at Aalborg University.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs