A tutorial activity for students to experience generative artificial intelligence: students' perceptions and actions

Nicole B Reinke; Ann L Parkinson; Georgia R Kafer

doi:10.1152/advan.00245.2024

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A tutorial activity for students to experience generative artificial intelligence: students' perceptions and actions

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A tutorial activity for students to experience generative artificial intelligence: students' perceptions and actions

Nicole B Reinke, Ann L Parkinson and Georgia R Kafer

Advances in Physiology Education, Vol.49(2), pp.461-470

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00245.2024

PMID: 40105755

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Abstract

physiology

critical evaluation

student perceptions

academic integrity

generative artificial intelligence

Freely accessible generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) poses challenges to physiology education regarding learning and academic integrity. While many studies have explored the capabilities of GenAI to complete assessments, few have implemented educative activities to highlight GenAI risks and benefits, or explored physiology students' perceptions and uses of GenAI. Our study implemented a learning activity, designed using constructivist principles, to allow for physiology students to explore GenAI and consider its use in assessment tasks. The activity engaged students (n=236) enrolled in a second-year physiology subject over two years. The activity began with students directed to critique a sample exam answer as a form of content revision. The answer had been covertly generated by ChatGPT, and it lacked depth and contained some hallucinated facts. Students then engaged in discussion about the use of GenAI for university study and assessment. Questions were used to stimulate thought and discussion, and student responses were collected via Padlet (492 posts). Thematic analysis of the comments highlighted students' beliefs about using GenAI, and perceived benefits and risks. There was a general trend of increasing acceptance of using GenAI, and using if for assessment, over time. Students were concerned about breaching academic integrity guidelines, information accuracy and sources, and the negative effect it may have on their learning. At the conclusion of the activity, the revelation that ChatGPT wrote the sample exam answer reinforced the need for responsible GenAI use.

Details

Title: A tutorial activity for students to experience generative artificial intelligence: students' perceptions and actions
Authors: Nicole B Reinke - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
Ann L Parkinson (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
Georgia R Kafer - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Publication details: Advances in Physiology Education, Vol.49(2), pp.461-470
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00245.2024
ISSN: 1522-1229
PMID: 40105755
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991113752102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Education, Scientific Disciplines; Physiology