“I Don’t Have to Write an Essay Ever Again!”: University Student Reflections on ChatGPT in the Classroom

Abstract

ChatGPT and AI programs are creating a stir on college campuses nationwide. Concerns about cheating are strong and many instructors are adopting new teaching strategies to dissuade students from using the technology in assignments. In the present study, undergraduate students in an introductory epidemiology course were assigned to use ChatGPT to produce essays about topics related to course content and, in pairs, critically analyze the resulting essays. Individually, students responded to reflection questions regarding the technology and its implications for college classrooms. In this study, those qualitative reflection responses were analyzed for themes. While a variety of viewpoints were expressed regarding expectations of the program, most students were aware of the potential for cheating but remained cautiously optimistic about the use of ChatGPT as an educational tool.