TITLE:
An Exploration of Students’ Utilization of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Higher Education
AUTHORS:
Jung-Im Seo, Kirsten Harrison
KEYWORDS:
Generative Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Traditional and Non-Traditional Students, ChatGPT, Grammarly
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.17 No.9,
September
15,
2026
ABSTRACT: In today’s digital landscape, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has become increasingly integrated into everyday life, particularly among college students who use various GenAI technologies to support their academic performance. Despite its rapid adoption, empirical research examining students’ adoption behaviors and usage patterns of GenAI in higher education remains limited. Accordingly, this study examines how students in higher education institutions in the Southeastern United States utilize GenAI technologies. The sample consisted of 108 participants. The findings indicate that more than 90% of participants use free versions of GenAI tools, with ChatGPT emerging as the most frequently used platform, followed by Grammarly. More than half of the respondents reported using GenAI for less than one hour per day. The primary motivation for use was studying or tutoring support, followed by academic writing and research assistance. Results from Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that traditional students demonstrated a greater understanding of GenAI capabilities compared to their non-traditional counterparts. Although most students recognize the substantial benefits of GenAI in higher education, they also express concern about its potential impact on the development of their own skills and competencies. Many participants indicated a desire to avoid excessive reliance on GenAI in their academic work. Collectively, these findings suggest that higher education institutions should strategically integrate GenAI into teaching and learning practices to enhance student outcomes while fostering responsible and balanced use in preparation for a GenAI-driven workforce.