How to use ChatGPT at university without cheating: Now it's more like a study partner'

"For many students, ChatGPT has become as standard a tool as a notebook or a calculator. Whether it's tidying up grammar, organising revision notes, or generating flashcards, AI is fast becoming a go-to companion in university life. But as campuses scramble to keep pace with the technology, a line is being quietly drawn. Using it to understand? Fine. Using it to write your assignments? Not allowed."

"According to a recent report from the Higher Education Policy Institute, almost 92% of students are now using generative AI in some form, a jump from 66% the previous year. Honestly, everyone is using it, says Magan Chin, a master's student in technology policy at Cambridge, who shares her favourite AI study hacks on TikTok, where tips range from chat-based study sessions to clever note-sifting prompts."

"It's evolved. At first, people saw ChatGPT as cheating and [thought] that it was damaging our critical thinking skills. But now, it's more like a study partner and a conversational tool to help us improve. It has even picked up a nickname: People just call it Chat', she says. Used wisely, it can be a powerful self-study tool. Chin recommends giving it class notes and asking it to generate practice exam questions."

Nearly all students now use generative AI for study tasks, with usage rising from 66% to almost 92% in one year. AI assists with grammar correction, organising revision notes, generating flashcards, creating diagrams, and summarising difficult topics. Students use chat-based interactions to simulate professors, generate practice exam questions, and upload slides to produce multiple-choice questions. Institutions are beginning to restrict AI use for writing assignments while allowing it for understanding. Students mitigate risks by applying a 'pushback' method—questioning AI answers and seeking alternative perspectives to avoid overreliance. Educators promote clear boundaries and encourage responsible integrations into study routines.

Read at www.theguardian.com