"EVERYONE IS USING IT, SO I STARTED TOO": AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES ON LEARNING AND THE APPLICATION OF AI AT COLLEGE

Autors/ores

  • Vanesa Varga Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta 83 d, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Katarina Dadić Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta 83 d, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Dora Brozović Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta 83 d, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i9.6966

Paraules clau:

AI, ChatGPT, education, higher education

Resum

This study explores how university students in Croatia use artificial intelligence (AI) for educational purposes, focusing on the AI tools they use, how they learned about them, the ways they apply AI in their studies, and their overall perspectives on its use. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with 24 students from various Croatian universities, the research found that ChatGPT is by far the most commonly used AI tool, followed by Perplexity and several specialized AI applications. Students primarily learned about AI through professors, classmates, and media. The findings show that students mainly use AI to support learning by summarizing texts, finding information and academic references, translating content, brainstorming ideas, and improving academic writing rather than completing assignments for them. Most participants viewed AI as a helpful tool that saves time, improves understanding of complex topics, and enhances productivity. However, they also expressed concerns about its limitations, including inaccurate information, weaker performance in technical tasks, and the potential negative impact on critical thinking, independent learning, and academic integrity. The study concludes that AI has become a normal part of students' academic lives but is generally viewed as a support tool rather than a replacement for independent learning. The findings highlight the importance of developing AI literacy in higher education by teaching students how to use AI responsibly, ethically, and critically while encouraging universities to provide clearer guidance on its appropriate use.

Biografies de l'autor/a

  • Vanesa Varga, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta 83 d, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

    Vanesa Varga is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb. She earned her PhD in Information and Communication Sciences from the University of Zagreb in 2020 and has interdisciplinary academic training in communication studies, croatology, and museology. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence in education, digital media, social media, digital literacy, and the impact of technology on children and young people.

  • Katarina Dadić, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta 83 d, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

    Katarina Dadić is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb. She received her degree in Sociology and Pedagogy from the University of Zagreb in 2006 and earned her PhD in Pedagogy in 2015. Her research focuses on childhood pedagogy, parenting pedagogy, sociology of education, media and childhood, intercultural education, and the impact of digital technologies on education and child development. She has led and participated in numerous scientific projects, presented her work at national and international conferences, and published extensively in the fields of pedagogy and educational sciences. Her expertise in educational research and child development provides a strong foundation for studies examining the role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in higher education.

  • Dora Brozović, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta 83 d, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

    Dora Brozović is a graduate student in Communication Studies at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, where she is currently completing her MA degree, specializing in Public Relations. She holds a BA degree in Communication Studies and Sociology also from Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb. Her academic and professional interests include artificial intelligence, digital communication, public relations, social media, and digital marketing. Alongside her studies, she currently works as a Marketing Assistant, where she is involved in social media management, marketing communication, content creation, and external communication. Her previous experience includes working in public relations, influencer marketing, and project management.

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Descàrregues

Publicat

2026-08-27

Número

Vol. 13 Núm. 9 (2026)

Secció

Articles

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