Student Voices on AI: Exploring Perspectives on Undergraduate Classroom Policies

• In Event: Examining AI Perspectives and Usage in Postsecondary Teaching

Abstract

This study explored undergraduates’ beliefs about how restricted generative AI should be in the classroom, as well as their perspectives on course-level AI policies. The data were drawn from a larger mixed-methods study involving 2,294 students across 10 courses at a large public university in the Midwestern United States. Findings indicated that most students preferred a “somewhat restricted” AI policy for coursework. Open-ended responses were analyzed based on three key dimensions - Pedagogical, Operational, and Governance - and epistemic network analysis was employed to detect meaningful connections. Students acknowledged the potential benefits of AI but also indicated a need for more clarity on how to use it ethically and concern with the potential for AI to hinder learning.

Authors

• Jae-eun Russell, University of Iowa

• Salim George, University of Iowa

• Jeremy A Dietmeier, University of Iowa

• Anna Smith, University of Iowa