Perception and usage of chatbots among online postgraduate students: An exploratory study

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly and has given rise to tools such as ChatGPT, which has an impressive ability to create coherent content similar to that generated by humans. Although it still has certain shortcomings and errors, its potential for long-term improvement is generating concerns among educational institutions, who fear that it may threaten learning and creativity. This study aimed to investigate the perception of graduate students at a virtual educational institution about ChatGPT through a survey that collected sociodemographic, academic, and utility information about the tool. Descriptive statistics and factorial analysis were used to identify underlying factors that explain the variability in quantitative data, and content analysis for qualitative data. The results indicate that, despite the risks involved, students have a positive view of the tool, especially for its ability to enhance their educational experience. These findings suggest that educational institutions should be aware of students' intention to use AI tools and be willing to integrate them into their teaching and learning processes.