Supporting Self-Directed Project-Based Learning in Higher Education With Generative AI (Poster 19)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 3:35 p.m.
  In Poster Session: (Generative) Artificial Intelligence in Education

Abstract

Students working on self-directed projects benefit from personalized support, but it can be challenging to address students’ individual needs, at scale. Recently, generative AI (GenAI) has provoked exciting possibilities, questions, and challenges for student work. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 students in a graduate school of education about how they used GenAI in their self-directed projects. Although GenAI often served as a productive conversational partner or prototype creator, students also experienced some challenges in using GenAI in their learning. Students described GenAI as an additional resource, instead of as a replacement for other project supports. This study offers insight for educators on designing structures to incorporate GenAI in project-based learning experiences in higher education.

Authors

• Paulina Haduong, Harvard University

• Jacob H. Wolf, Harvard University

• Avantika Kolluru, Harvard University

• Sally Yao, Harvard University

• Karen A. Brennan, Harvard University