Prevalence, Devices Used, Reasons for Use, Trust, Barriers, and Challenges in Utilizing Generative AI among Tertiary Students

TL;DR

This study explores generative AI usage among Philippine college students, highlighting device preferences, usage reasons, trust issues, barriers, and challenges, emphasizing the need for improved access, support, and ethical guidelines.

Contribution

It provides new insights into student AI usage patterns, perceptions, and barriers in a Philippine context, informing future educational policies and AI integration strategies.

Findings

Most students used free AI tools on smartphones due to financial constraints.

Students primarily used AI for homework, idea generation, and research.

Less than half felt confident with AI and had mixed perceptions about its accuracy.

Abstract

This study examined generative AI usage among Philippine college students particularly on frequency, devices, reasons, knowledge, trust, perceptions, and challenges. Most students used free AI tools on smartphones due to financial constraints. They used it primarily for homework, idea generation, and research. Less than half felt confident with AI and expressed mixed feelings about its accuracy. Barriers included limited access, lack of teacher support, difficulty understanding outputs, and financial constraints. The study highlighted the need for better access, support, training, and ethical guidelines. Broader concerns included impacts on learning, academic standards, job loss, and privacy. Students viewed AI positively due to peer support. Recommendations are discussed.