Insights into GenAI: Perspectives of radiography and pharmacy students at a leading institution in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to use a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe as a case study to evaluate radiography and pharmacy students' knowledge, willingness, and concerns regarding GenAI technologies.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey, involving 147 participating students, was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using STATA 14. Descriptive statistics were presented, and demographic variables were compared using Student t-test and ANOVA.

Results

A sizeable proportion of students (74.83 %) believed that knowing GenAI was essential for healthcare students to stay competitive in the evolving academic landscape. A significant proportion of students reported that they were willing to use GenAI technologies in their day-to-day activities. They noted that AI technologies such as ChatGPT can help them save time (77.56 %) with tasks such as assignments. Most students (56.46 %) were worried that the use of GenAI technology can cause people and students alike to lose the human touch in their daily lives. They also noted that the use of AI technologies such as ChatGPT to complete assignments has the potential to undermine the value of university education (44.9 %).

Conclusion

Addressing concerns raised by students about the implications of GenAI on human interaction and educational value is essential for a balanced technology integration approach in education. Future research should concentrate on solutions for addressing issues while leveraging the benefits of GenAI in healthcare education.

Implications for practice

Understanding students’ knowledge, willingness, and concerns regarding the use of GenAI tools can help educators better integrate these technologies into the learning process, ensuring they complement and enhance traditional teaching methods.