ISCAP Proceedings: Abstract Presentation
Pilot Study of College Students Use of AI in Extracurricular Activities – A Stress-Free Environment
Daniel Freburg
Illinois State University
Mangolika Bhattacharya
Illinois State University
Chaitanya Kante
Illinois State University
Michael Timm
Illinois State University
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in higher education has rapidly grown and so has the number of mixed messages students receive about AI. Those messages include that AI has tremendous potential, AI may be harmful, AI is prohibited to complete coursework, AI use is permitted when properly documented, AI skills are essential for future careers, AI will replace some jobs, and more. Institutional policies, academic disciplinary policies, and course-level policies often differ, creating uncertainty about when and how AI can be appropriately used. These mixed messages could cause confusion and stress, discouraging students from exploring the potential benefits of AI. Our study examines Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), student-led organizations supported by faculty advisors, as environments for students to explore the practical applications of AI. Unlike traditional classroom settings, RSOs provide opportunities for students to use AI technologies without concerns related to grading, plagiarism, academic dishonesty, or AI policy violations. The study focuses on engaging RSOs in IT-student-led AI workshops designed to promote problem-solving, learning, creativity, and AI literacy. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Expectations-Confirmation Model (ECM) were combined to develop a survey to evaluate students' perceptions of AI's usefulness, satisfaction with the RSO AI workshop experience, continued intentions to use and explore AI, and the perceived value of the RSO AI workshop experience regarding their overall college experience. Findings from a pilot study are presented to evaluate the effectiveness of RSOs as environments for learning practical AI applications.