Student’s Utilization and Assistance of AI Tools in Assessment Completion: Perceptions and Implications

Abstract

The study investigates the utilization and impact of AI Tools' usage by students for their assessment completion. It also explores students’ perceptions and examines the implications of using AI technology on students’ learning and development process. A total of 145 students majorly between 21-25 of age studying in Higher Education Institutions in the Sultanate of Oman participated in the survey. Data was collected employing non-probability convenience sampling. Results indicated that improving writing skills, critical thinking and analysis were the top 3 ranked skills which get enhanced in students by AI tools. As to fairness in AI tools' usage, the majority of the students agreed that these tools should only be used for generating ideas and structuring assessments. Results also revealed that 50% of the students were of the opinion that their institutions do not effectively regulate the use of AI. However, responses to questions on utilizing AI indicated that out of the students who had been penalized, 35% had a reduction in marks, 30% were asked to resubmit the assessment, 26% were given warnings, while 10% were given a ‘fail’ grade. Formulating standardized policies and regulations on AI usage, proper dissemination, and their implementation were the general recommendations obtained from the study.