The Impact Of AI: Reducing Or Increasing Student Stress?

In our tech-driven world, AI has become a game-changer for students across the world. How are students adapting?

A recent YouGov survey for Studiosity found that 77% of the 1000 surveyed Canadian students are now turning to AI tools to manage their academic workload and stress. Question is, has AI actually helped them manage their stress though?

MOST STUDENTS ARE STRESSED ABOUT USING AI

It just so happens that a solid 74% of students are still stressed about using AI. In the past year, students mainly relied on AI for its speed in collecting and creating information. This year, they’re leveraging it for deeper comprehension and understanding.

Their concerns now: Am I actually learning anything when I use AI? Is the information that the AI tool is giving me accurate? How much of my work is allowed to be written by AI?

“It feels as if you’re doing something wrong and I never know what I’ll get flagged for, even if it’s simply being used to explain a topic,” said one student in Ontario, reflecting on their stress.

“I never know if the info is accurate, and there are a lot of mistakes,” said another student in Alberta. Most of the surveyed students – 65% – say they are moderately or less confident that they are learning and improving their skills while using AI.

ENOUGH AI SUPPORT IN CLASSROOMS?

When it comes to AI and support in the classroom, a good 52% of Canadian students believe their institution isn’t adapting fast enough to include AI support tools.

There is some light in the dark here as professors at universities around the world are beginning the push to advance AI learning tools. At the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, a few professors have developed an AI teaching assistant called All Day TA. It is not just  revolutionizing business education within their classrooms, but around the world by providing students with 24/7 access to customized course support.

Similarly, IMD Business School in Switzerland has fully embraced AI, overhauling its MBA program to incorporate AI tools that enhance skill development and student engagement.

As we stand at the cusp of this new technological era, it’s evident that AI will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, states Chris Helsby, GM and VP of Studiosity Canada. “The priority is to equip students with the right AI tools that foster learning and growth while ensuring ethical, secure use.”