STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Summary/Abstract: In recent decades, the evolution of digital technologies, along with the emergence of artificial intelligence, has brought significant changes to the education system. In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the educational process by offering students round-the-clock support – through its ability to generate content, solve assignments, or draft essays rapidly – teachers are constantly seeking solutions to provide learners with the most effective learning resources, to develop authentic competencies tailored to everyone’s needs. The present study, primarily quantitative with a complementary qualitative component, investigates the perceptions of first-, second-, and third-year students enrolled in the Primary and Preschool Education Pedagogy study program at George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş. The study aims to identify how students use AI in their educational activities. Data were collected through an online questionnaire created in Google Forms, which consisted of both closed- and open-ended questions, and was administered in December 2025. The findings revealed that students primarily use artificial intelligence to write essays and presentations, solve assignments/projects, perform translations, and prepare for exams. Furthermore, participants stated that AI helps them save time during their studies, better understand difficult content, and develop critical thinking. Additionally, the study highlights students’ attitudes toward academic integrity and notes their need for a clear guide on the use of AI in the academic environment. Overall, the study pinpoints the benefits and risks of using Generative AI tools among higher education students. While most respondents use GenAI tools for academic purposes weekly to save time while learning, a small number of students reported using them only 1-2 times per week. Regarding ethical issues and academic integrity, 54% of students understand the proper use of GenAI tools, while 25% report a partial understanding of the regulations. Further investigation is needed to accurately understand the effect of Gen AI tools on students’ long-term learning.

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