How are students using Artificial Intelligence?
122 students from the Savannah College of Art and Design were surveyed and interviewed to find out how creatives feel and what they know about Artificial Intelligence and generative AI. Take a look at what we found:
Academics
Have you used generative AI tools for any of your academic projects?
70 of 122 students indicated that they use or have used Artificial Intelligence as a collaborator for their academic assignments.
Students are exploring the potential for AI academic assistance.
“AI is a jumping-off point to help me as a creative, and I see it as not taking over your creativity but letting it fly”
Tools
Please indicate which of the following AI tools you are familiar with:
In order of most to least, students indicated familiarity with the following generative AI tools: ChatGPT (65), Midjourney (46), Firefly (21), Claude (17), Stable Diffusion (14), and Bard (9).
The most popular generative AI tools among students are ChatGPT, and Midjourney.
“Once you change the perspective that A.I. is just a tool there are a lot more opportunities to be grabbed”
Frequency of use
How often do you use AI-powered tools for your academic work?
Students are using AI tools in varying frequencies, and 19 of 122 students reported using AI “very often” for their coursework, as opposed to “often”, “sometimes”, or “rarely”.
Some students are using AI to get further, faster.
“Though AI has a skill curve, I know anybody can use it. You need to learn how.”
Comprehension
Students were asked about their knowledge regarding specific AI technology: Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and None of the above.
Students know about AI on a surface-level but are less familiar with training and function.
“In 5 years? It’ll still be a tool. But depending on what the industry does about it, it could be way more accessible or less accessible”
Alternate perspective
26 of 122 students indicated that they do not use, and are uninterested in using Artificial Intelligence for academics, if at all.
Some students are wary of generative AI and may not use it whatsoever.
“As artists, we need to learn more about A.I. and how to use it. A.I. needs to be used as a tool for us, not against us”
AI discussions
Have you discussed generative AI tools in any of your classes?
Currently, 82 of 122 students reported discussing AI in class. As the technology remains in current news, and more tools become accessible to and affect students, these conversations will grow.
Students and professors are actively talking about Artificial Intelligence.
Our findings
Through our surveys of students, we found that attitudes toward and knowledge of AI varied, with students expressing both positive and negative outlooks on the potential impact of AI in the creative sphere.
The majority of students know of AI tools, and implement their functions, but may not understand how the technology works. AI is a hot topic in classrooms, and students are interested in discussing it. Now is the prime moment for AI education, to guarantee students are engaging with AI knowledgeably, ethically, and responsibly.
Students’ AI education can be elevated through:
Hands-on engagement opportunities
Active discussion with peers and professors
Understanding creative perspectives
Process implementation
Freedom of choice