Speaker
Description
Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly advancing language education by providing innovative learning tools. Understanding its adoption within academic contexts, particularly among university students in Japan, is vital to fostering the integration of GenAI in language learning courses and realizing its full educational potential. The research described in this presentation explores how students in Japan are adopting GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, reflecting on their current and anticipated use, and addressing underlying concerns about accuracy and ethical use. Results from two surveys, conducted in October 2023 and April 2024, will be analyzed to compare changes in students’ perceptions and usage of GenAI.
In the initial survey of 101 first and second-year university students in Japan, 94.8% were aware of generative AI (GenAI) like ChatGPT, yet 60.8% weren’t using it for study, sighting concerns over accuracy (47.3%) and ethics (31.7%) as main deterrents. Those who were using it did so for research (70%), idea generation (47.5%), and writing (35%). Despite these hesitations, 68% expect to use GenAI in the future, foreseeing benefits in time-saving and research efficiency. The initial survey pointed to a gap between awareness and practical use, and a hopeful outlook for future integration.
The follow-up survey hopes to uncover any significant changes in the use and perception of GenAI relating to study habits and whether the concerns over accuracy and ethics have been alleviated. The anticipated comparative analysis will be particularly beneficial for educators, curriculum developers, educational policymakers, and AI technologists who are at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI tools into learning and teaching methodologies. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the evolving student attitudes toward GenAI, which can inform the development of more effective, ethically sound educational practices and AI applications.
| Keywords | Generative AI (GenAI), Language education, Student perception and adoption, Academic integration, Study habits |
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