Ethics, Use, and The Future: Three Years of Longitudinal Data on GenAI in Higher Education

• In Event: AI in Higher Education: Balancing Support, Ethics, and Agency

Abstract

Since ChatGPT’s release in 2022, debate has intensified around its role in education. While many studies examine the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in classrooms, few track its sustained use in teacher education. This study fills that gap through a longitudinal survey of over 300 students at a U.S. Midwestern university. Findings show sharp increases in GenAI use for studying (44% to 76%) and in assessments (57% to 83%). Students’ ethical perceptions remain mixed, with differences between users and non‑users. Students report improved academic performance and growing expectations for GenAI integration in coursework. These results highlight the urgent need for teacher education programs to embed GenAI instruction and address ethical considerations to prepare future educators for GenAI‑enabled classrooms.

Authors

• Luke Parker, Australian Catholic University

• Josh Hayes, University of Kansas

• Jane A. Loper, University of Kansas

• Christopher Carter, University of Kansas

• Alice L. Karakas, Washburn University