In a recent global survey conducted by Chegg.org, the non-profit arm of the education technology company Chegg, it was revealed that over half (55%) of undergraduate students worldwide are advocating for the integration of human expertise in Generative AI (GenAI) technologies. This finding is part of the Global Student Survey 2023, a comprehensive and up-to-date survey that explores the lives, aspirations, and concerns of undergraduate students across 15 countries in the era of AI.

The survey shows that 40% of undergraduate students globally have utilized GenAI for their college or university studies. Among these students, half report using GenAI tools daily. Despite acknowledging the utility of GenAI as a learning aid, many students see areas for improvement, with a significant proportion (55%) requesting the involvement of human expertise in GenAI outputs. Furthermore, concerns about the accuracy of information provided by GenAI are prevalent, with 47% of GenAI users expressing apprehension over receiving incorrect or misleading data.

Remarkably, 66% of students expressed a preference for more online learning options in exchange for lower tuition fees. This sentiment is particularly strong in regions such as Canada, Kenya, and the U.S. Additionally, a significant number of students (59%) reported experiencing inadequate sleep, while 54% have faced daily anxiety, and nearly half (46%) have encountered academic burnout.

GenAI Usage Across Different Regions

Diving deeper into the survey’s findings, there’s a noticeable variation in GenAI usage among different countries. Countries like Kenya, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Spain show high engagement, with more than 60% of students using GenAI for their studies. In contrast, the usage rates are considerably lower in the U.K. (19%), U.S. (20%), and South Korea (23%). These disparities highlight the uneven adoption of GenAI tools across various educational landscapes.

The survey, executed by Yonder Consulting, involved more than 11,800 undergraduate students aged 18-21 years from countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the U.K., and the U.S. It addressed a wide range of topics, from AI in learning to career skills, health, wellbeing, and social attitudes. This annual survey initiative, launched in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdowns, has become a key resource for understanding student perspectives in an evolving educational context.

Student Perceptions on Education and AI

Heather Hatlo Porter, Head of Chegg.org and Chief Communications Officer of Chegg, Inc., underscored the survey’s importance: “This is our third Chegg.org Global Student Survey, and it stands out for its extensive scope, covering a broad range of students and topics. It offers valuable insights into the perspectives of undergraduates as they navigate the burgeoning age of AI.”

The survey also reflects a strong consensus among students regarding their education’s alignment with job market demands, with 79% feeling well-prepared. Yet, there is a clear demand for more cost-effective and time-efficient educational models. The preference for shorter, more affordable college programs was particularly notable in Malaysia and Kenya, with 84% of students in these countries favoring such changes.

Continuing on the topic of GenAI, Hatlo Porter highlighted the technology’s growing role in the academic sphere: “Students are increasingly turning to GenAI for assistance in their learning processes, particularly for writing tasks. However, they seek enhancements in these tools, especially the integration of human expertise to ensure accuracy and reliability.”

The Role of GenAI in Modern Learning

The survey findings underscore a notable trend: a majority of students (65%) believe that the advent of free GenAI tools should prompt a reevaluation of assessment methods in higher education. This includes a call for clearer guidelines on the acceptable use of GenAI in evaluations and a push for universities to endorse these tools in assessed work. Additionally, students are keen on including AI tool training in their curricula, seeing it as pertinent to their future careers.

Among GenAI users, there is a notable appreciation for the technology’s ability to expedite learning and free up time. The primary uses of GenAI include understanding concepts or subjects and researching projects or assignments. Curiosity emerges as the dominant emotion among students when leveraging GenAI for their studies.

Mental Health and Student Optimism

Hatlo Porter emphasized the importance of student feedback in shaping the future of education: “By listening to students and understanding their needs, we can better harness AI’s potential, ensuring that learning methods align with their preferences. This approach will support their ongoing educational journey.”

The survey also sheds light on pressing mental health concerns among students. Issues such as sleep deprivation, anxiety, and academic burnout are prevalent, highlighting the need for robust mental health support systems in educational institutions. Despite these challenges, a sense of optimism persists among students