Student insights into Gen-AI Use in writing academic essays in higher education: motives, benefits and challenges

Motives, benefits, and challenges

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21100/compass.v18i1.1608

Abstract

This study explores students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of applying generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) tools to meet the learning outcomes of assessments. The rapid integration of Gen-AI into higher education has ignited debate about the benefits and challenges of these tools when in the hands of educators and students. The study aimed to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by moving beyond mere usage and acceptance of Gen-AI by focusing on its ability to achieve desired learning outcomes. A qualitative study with a sample of thirty-five undergraduate university students aimed to understand how well Gen-AI met the assessment learning outcomes. The findings identify convenience as one of the main drivers for choosing it and suggest that the threat of plagiarism and inadequate expertise in managing its tools are notable hindrances. This study provides insights into key areas on which academic institutions can focus to make AI tools more valuable in assessments, where their application is now inevitable.

Author Biographies

Humeyra Dogru-Dastan, University of Greenwich

Humeyra Dogru-Dastan is a Lecturer in Marketing and Tourism at the University of Greenwich. Before joining the University of Greenwich, she was a visiting researcher at the University of Florida sponsored by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Her research interest focuses on tourism marketing, consumer behaviour and sustainable consumption. In the field of Higher Education, her research focuses on experiential learning, authentic assessments, and technology and ethics in Higher Education.

Zivai Mare, University of Greenwich

Zivai Mare is a lecturer in the department of Marketing and Management at the University of Greenwich. Her research interests encompass social and sustainable ethical marketing, along with the influence of digital technologies in shaping consumer experiences and behavior. In the realm of pedagogy, her work explores socially and environmentally sustainable education and the impact of digital technologies on the student experience.

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Published

09/24/2025

How to Cite

Dogru-Dastan, H., & Mare, Z. (2025). Student insights into Gen-AI Use in writing academic essays in higher education: motives, benefits and challenges: Motives, benefits, and challenges . Compass: Journal of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.21100/compass.v18i1.1608

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Case Studies

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Copyright (c) 2025 Humeyra Dogru-Dastan, Zivai Mare

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