Educational impacts of generative artificial intelligence on learning and performance of engineering students in China

TL;DR

This study examines how Chinese engineering students use generative AI, highlighting its positive effects on learning and creativity, while also addressing challenges like accuracy and domain reliability in educational contexts.

Contribution

It provides empirical data on AI usage, impacts, and challenges among engineering students in China, offering insights for effective integration into education.

Findings

Over half reported improved learning efficiency and creativity.

Many students felt academic performance remained unchanged.

Concerns about AI accuracy and domain-specific reliability.

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence(AI), its potential applications in higher education have attracted significant attention. This study investigated how 148 students from diverse engineering disciplines and regions across China used generative AI, focusing on its impact on their learning experience and the opportunities and challenges it poses in engineering education. Based on the surveyed data, we explored four key areas: the frequency and application scenarios of AI use among engineering students, its impact on students' learning and performance, commonly encountered challenges in using generative AI, and future prospects for its adoption in engineering education. The results showed that more than half of the participants reported a positive impact of generative AI on their learning efficiency, initiative, and creativity, with nearly half believing it also enhanced their independent thinking. However, despite acknowledging improved study efficiency, many felt their actual academic performance remained largely unchanged and expressed concerns about the accuracy and domain-specific reliability of generative AI. Our findings provide a first-hand insight into the current benefits and challenges generative AI brings to students, particularly Chinese engineering students, while offering several recommendations, especially from the students' perspective, for effectively integrating generative AI into engineering education.