How Students use AI
AI and the Student Experience
As AI becomes more widely used in higher education, students are developing their own perspectives on its opportunities, benefits and challenges. While many recognise its potential to make learning more accessible, flexible and efficient, others raise important questions about accuracy, over-reliance and the development of independent skills. Understanding these different perspectives can help us build a more balanced picture of how AI is shaping the student academic experience.
This page brings together student voices, experiences and research from across the wider higher education sector. Discover how students at Queen’s are using AI, what they value, the challenges they encounter and how their perspectives are helping to shape the future of learning.
What are Queen's students saying about AI?
Queen’s students have shared their perspectives on the growing role of AI in education, highlighting how they use tools such as ChatGPT and other AI-powered applications to support learning, generate ideas, and enhance their study experience. They also reflect on the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for students today.
Watch the video to hear how students are engaging with AI and what they think about its impact on education.
Listen to Queen's Student Podcasts on AI
Explore different perspectives on AI through two podcast conversations discussing its impact on education, student life, and future careers.
In the two podcast episodes Professor Phil Hanna (Dean of Education) talks to two Queen’s students, Faith Wallace (School of Psychology) and Yakunat Sankey (Ulster Business School). In their discussions, they offer their perspectives on using AI as a student and discuss how AI may impact their future careers.
Listen to hear their thoughts, experiences, and reflections on AI in today’s world.
Link to Exploring Perspectives of AI among Students podcast
Link to Navigating the Future of Students with AI Skills podcast
Student Perceptions of Generative AI - A Jisc Report
Findings from a Jisc study in 2023 provide further insight into how students are using AI and what they expect from their institutions. Jisc has been gathering student views on generative AI since 2023. Its report, Student Perceptions of Generative AI (May 2024), explores how student engagement with AI is evolving across UK colleges and universities. Based on discussions with more than 200 learners, four key themes emerged:
- Collaborative learning – Students are increasingly using generative AI as a learning partner to support active learning, exploration of ideas, and critical thinking.
- AI skills for the future – Students want opportunities to develop AI literacy and understand how to use AI effectively in their studies and future careers.
- Ethics, bias and accessibility – Learners are becoming more aware of important issues such as fairness, bias, transparency, and equitable access to AI tools.
- Institutional support – Students expect clear guidance, supportive policies, and educators who can help them use AI confidently and responsibly.
Remember: AI can be a valuable tool, but it should support-not replace-your own learning. Developing AI literacy means understanding both the opportunities and the limitations of AI and making informed decisions about when and how to use it.
Keep in mind: The examples on this page illustrate some of the ways students can use AI to support their learning. However, expectations for AI use may vary across Schools, programmes and modules. Always follow local guidance and assessment requirements when deciding whether and how to use AI.
Student AI Blogs
The following student written blogs explore more perspectives on using AI in education. Find the full list of AI Hub blogs here.
