Who is using generative AI in higher education?
In this research, we analyze the results of a survey of 2,401 post-secondary students in Canada on their experiences, attitudes, and challenges regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). How often are students using generative AI, and what demographic factors are related to frequency of use? Does using generative AI more often correlate with favourable attitudes toward its use in post-secondary settings? Is greater use associated with better learning experiences? Read the data briefing to get our full analysis.
Key Insights
Generative AI usage varies across students in different fields of study, with the highest uptake among engineering students.
Power users — those who report using generative AI most or all of the time — have similar levels of concern as non-users about the potential drawbacks of generative AI, despite having more favourable attitudes towards its use in post-secondary settings.
A total of 20 percent of post-secondary students in Canada report using generative AI most or all the time. Another 35 percent report using it sometimes and around 45 percent report never or rarely using it.