Source
Gizmodo
Summary
A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Christian Rojas compared two sections of the same advanced economics course—one permitted structured AI use, the other did not. The results revealed that allowing AI under clear guidelines improved student engagement, confidence, and reflective learning but did not affect exam performance. Students with AI access reported greater efficiency and satisfaction with course design while developing stronger habits of self-correction and critical evaluation of AI outputs. Rojas concludes that carefully scaffolded AI integration can enrich learning experiences without fostering dependency or academic shortcuts, though larger studies are needed.
Key Points
- Structured AI use increased engagement and confidence but not exam scores.
- Students used AI for longer, more focused sessions and reflective learning.
- Positive perceptions grew regarding efficiency and instructor quality.
- AI integration encouraged editing, critical thinking, and ownership of ideas.
- Researchers stress that broader trials are required to validate results.
Keywords
URL
https://gizmodo.com/this-professor-let-half-his-class-use-ai-heres-what-happened-2000678960
Summary generated by ChatGPT 5
