The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools on College Students’ Critical Thinking and Autonomous Learning Ability

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools have brought new impetus to the digital transformation in education, empowering talent cultivation. This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 1,781 college students to explore the impact of using GenAI tools on their critical thinking and autonomous learning ability. The study identified four key findings: (1) Students who use GenAI tools have significantly higher levels of critical thinking and autonomous learning ability than those who do not use such tools. (2)Students who consistently use GenAI tools exhibit superior performance in cirticalthinking and autonomous learning ability than those who do not consistently usesuch tools. (3) Compared to undergraduates and students from regular universities, postgraduates and students enrolled in universities under the Double First-Class Initiativedemonstrate stronger critical thinking and autonomous learning ability through the use of GenAI tools. (4) Students predominantly use GenAI tools to pose closed questions.Moreover, in-depth analysis is required to determine the boundaries of the personalizedassistance that such tools can provide to students.

Keywords

higher education / talent cultivation / college students / generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) / critical thinking / autonomous learning ability

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Higher Education Press