HOW STUDENTS USE GENERATIVE AI IN HIGHER EDUCATION: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
Keywords:
Generative Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Academic Writing, Student Learning, AI Literacy, Educational Technology, Academic IntegrityAbstract
The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has reshaped higher education by transforming how students learn, access information, and complete academic tasks. Unlike earlier educational technologies, generative AI systems can generate human-like responses, provide personalized feedback, summarize scholarly literature, and support various stages of academic writing. Consequently, students increasingly integrate these tools into their daily learning activities, including brainstorming, note-taking, literature review, drafting, editing, and language improvement. While the educational potential of generative AI is substantial, its rapid adoption has also generated important concerns regarding academic integrity, overreliance on AI-generated content, misinformation, and the development of critical thinking skills. This article reviews recent literature on students' use of generative AI in higher education and examines both its educational benefits and associated challenges. Drawing upon recent studies published between 2023 and 2025, the paper discusses how generative AI supports personalized learning, enhances academic writing, and promotes self-regulated learning while simultaneously presenting ethical and pedagogical concerns. The article concludes that generative AI should be integrated into higher education through responsible institutional policies, AI literacy initiatives, and pedagogical practices that emphasize critical thinking and meaningful human-AI collaboration.
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