College students are writing with AI – but a pilot study finds they’re not simply letting it write for them

A pilot study analyzing college students’ writing with AI shows an interactive process, from brainstorming to editing the output produced by chatbots.

By: Jeanne Beatrix Law, Kennesaw State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 26, 2026

Words: 1,089

Last Updated: 4 months, 1 week ago

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By Jeanne Beatrix Law, Kennesaw State University

Debates about generative AI in higher education have been informed by studies of completed student papers, or self-reported survey data. Research shows that artificial intelligence tools can support learning, but also has raised concerns, including students’ overreliance, cheating, and the potential degradation of critical thinking and engagement.

While these types of studies provide interesting snapshots of reported practices, their methodologies may hide something important: how writing actually …

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