KIV - The Pros and Cons of AI Use Among Postgrads

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionising many industries, and education is no exception. There are many benefits of AI in higher education and when used effectively, it can enhance global education systems, steering us towards an Education 4.0 environment.  

Students are also reaping the benefits of AI – and the higher the level of education, the more likely they are to use these services. As revealed in one Pew Research survey, 63% of postgraduates and 57% of college graduates interact with AI at least several times a week.  

However, challenges accompany AI use in academia that require careful navigation. Turnitin reports that out of 200 million academic papers reviewed since 2023, over 22 million contained at least 20% AI-generated content. This increasing presence of AI in student submissions has sparked significant discussions about academic integrity.

Should Postgraduate Students Embrace AI?

To truly harness the power of AI, it’s important to delve deeper into its benefits and drawbacks, cultivating a mindset that is receptive to adaptation and growth. Below are some key points to consider: 

Pros of Using AI  

Enhanced Research Capabilities 

AI tools for postgraduate students can significantly enhance the students' research capabilities. They can assist in data analysis, literature reviews, and hypothesis generation. AI-powered tools can quickly sift through vast academic literature, identify relevant studies, and extract key insights, enriching research and informing students' work. Additionally, AI can help postgraduate students navigate complex datasets, identify patterns, and generate visualisations, aiding in data interpretation and analysis. 

For example, AI tools such as ChatGPT, Jasper and other AI for research and learning can generate summaries of academic papers, while AI-powered databases can offer instant access to cutting-edge research. 

Access to Advanced Resources 

AI-driven learning platforms can give students instant access to cutting-edge research and educational resources. For instance, platforms like Google Scholar increasingly use AI to recommend articles tailored to a researcher’s needs. This accessibility can level the playing field, particularly for students in institutions with limited resources. Moreover, personalised learning with AI can provide tailored recommendations and feedback as the tools adapt to individual studying styles.  

Improved Efficiency and Productivity 

AI can automate repetitive tasks such as data processing, report generation, and literature reviews, allowing postgraduate students to focus on higher-order thinking and analysis. AI-powered tools like EndNote can automatically format references and citations according to the required academic style. This efficiency can significantly accelerate research progress and free up time for critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. 

Cons of Using AI 

Potential for Bias and Inaccuracy 

AI-generated outputs can sometimes include fabricated data or “hallucinations”, which is information that appears credible but is entirely false. Additionally, if an AI tool is trained on data that under-represent certain groups, it may produce results that reinforce stereotypes or miss important perspectives. Students must always critically evaluate and verify the accuracy of any AI-generated information to avoid misleading conclusions and maintain the integrity of their research. 

Ethical Considerations  

Students' use of AI raises several ethical concerns. Data privacy in AI applications, intellectual property rights, and AI-generated content's ethical use must be carefully considered. The risks of using AI to generate content without proper attribution or potential plagiarism concerns must be addressed. The lack of regulation creates a grey area where students might unintentionally misuse AI tools, leading to ethical violations. The ethical considerations in AI shouldn’t be taken lightly. Students must take extra care to attribute AI-generated work and ensure they understand AI-generated content risks, as well as the privacy and intellectual property laws that govern their use of AI tools. 

Over-reliance on AI Technology 

While AI can undoubtedly enhance efficiency, over-reliance on AI technology and tools can hinder the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills essential for success. It is important to balance between leveraging AI capabilities and maintaining analytical skills. Students should view AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for their own intellectual efforts. 

Harnessing AI's Potential: Navigating the Benefits and Challenges 

As the landscape of digital learning continues to evolve, the demand for educators who can navigate the complexities of AI integration will only intensify. For those eager to explore the forefront of educational technology, a Master of Education offers a unique opportunity to examine the symbiotic relationship between technology and education.  

This 100% online programme lets you dive into the latest trends in digital learning and develop the skills necessary to foster digital literacy in others. Discover more about how this programme can help you stay ahead of the curve in educational technology by contacting our Education Counsellors for personalised guidance today.