Student's Perceived Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Their Academic Assignment Behaviors: A Qualitative Study Among Electronics Engineering Students

Abstract

In higher education, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has significantly transformed the way students approach learning and finish their assignments. Students are increasingly relying on AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and other generative AI applications to assist with tasks like gathering information, developing ideas, solving problems, and completing assignments. While these devices offer numerous educational benefits, concerns have emerged regarding their potential impact on students’ academic honesty, ability to think critically, and study habits. The aim of this study is to explore how students studying Electronics Engineering view the impact of artificial intelligence on their approach to completing academic assignments. To fully understand students’ perspectives and experiences regarding the use of AI in academic environments, a qualitative research approach was employed. Six students majoring in Electronics Engineering took part in semi-structured interviews to collect data. The gathered information was then analyzed using thematic analysis, a process that involved reducing the data, organizing it into patterns, and preparing the final conclusions. Four key themes came up from the analysis: AI as a tool to support learning, the boost in productivity and efficiency when completing tasks, concerns about becoming too dependent on AI and losing critical thinking skills, and ethical issues related to academic honesty and the originality of work. The findings indicate that students generally see AI as a helpful tool that enhances learning effectiveness, helps finish assignments more quickly, and makes course content easier to grasp. Participants knew about the potential risks of depending too much on AI, including reduced motivation for independent learning and challenges in maintaining proper ethical standards in academic work. The study concludes that AI significantly and intricately influences how students approach their academic assignments. It raises important ethical and responsible usage concerns while simultaneously providing considerable educational advantages. Therefore, to ensure that AI functions as a supportive learning aid that boosts rather than diminishes students’ critical thinking and ability to learn independently, higher education institutions must establish clear guidelines and promote digital literacy.