Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Academic Activities by Undergraduate Students: Quantitative Study at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) Library

Abstract

AI is revolutionizing various fields in Sri Lanka, including academic libraries. Understanding how undergraduates use AI tools for academic activities is crucial for enhancing library services. This study intended to explore, usage of AI tools for academic activities among final-year undergraduates. The study population was four hundred and sixty-seven (467) students from the computing faculty at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) who had library membership. Out of the population, 100 students were selected as the sample using the convenience sampling method. The quantitative research design was employed in the study. The survey method was used to collect data from the selected sample. A structured questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. Frequency counts and simple percentages were used to analyze the collected data. According to the study, 99% of undergraduate students used AI tools for academic activities. The most frequently used AI tool is ChatGPT (94%), followed by Quill bot and Grammarly. Students use AI tools to check grammatical errors (73%), enhance subject knowledge (68%), and summarize content (67%). Fifty-two percent (52%) of students think using AI diminishes critical thinking, but most disagree that using AI is cheating. Ninety percent (90%) of students claim to know how to use AI ethically. It is recommended that access to proper language editing tools should be offered, as students rely on ChatGPT for grammar correction. Emphasizing the importance of using reputed publications when enhancing students’ subject knowledge, raising awareness about library e-resources, and creating AI usage policies collaboratively with faculties would also be an appropriate intervention. Finally, providing training on AI tools for research and initiating workshops to educate students on ethical AI use and proper citation is appropriate.