Presenter: RuoQi Zhao
Put Title Here:Is AI Making Students Smarter or Lazier? Exploring AI Use and Critical Thinking Among First-Year University Students
Type of Presentation: Poster
Abstract:Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT have become common in university learning, especially among first-year students. This presentation explores how the everyday use of AI may influence the development of students' critical thinking skills. Existing research has discussed both the educational benefits and the potential risks of AI, including learning support, idea generation, and over-reliance on technology. However, fewer studies have focused on how first-year university students use AI in their daily academic work and how different patterns of AI use may affect independent thinking. This proposed research will use a mixed-methods design that combines a survey of approximately 100 first-year students with interviews involving 8–10 participants. Survey data will be analyzed to identify patterns of AI use, while interview data will be coded to explore students' experiences and perceptions. The presentation will discuss the expected relationship between AI use and critical thinking, suggesting that moderate AI use may support learning, whereas excessive dependence on AI may weaken independent thinking. The presentation will also consider several limitations, including sample size, self-reported data, and differences among AI tools.
Biography:RuoQi Zhao is a first-year student in the Vantage Arts program at the University of British Columbia. His academic interests include artificial intelligence, education, and critical thinking. Through this research, he hopes to better understand how AI influences students' learning experiences and to encourage responsible and effective use of AI in higher education.
