The Role of Generative AI in Academic Writing: Implications and Impacts

Session Abstract: Generative AI tools are increasingly influencing course assessments in higher education, offering both opportunities and challenges, though their full impact is unclear. To explore this, we surveyed over 2,700 students across 24 institutions about their use of AI in writing assignments and whether instructors provided guidance on acceptable use. While most students had not yet used AI for coursework, about 1 in 10 did so frequently. AI use was more common among students with lower grades and aspirations and was linked to the amount of writing, cocurricular activities, socializing, and work. It was negatively associated with effective learning strategies like reviewing notes. AI users were more likely to complete tasks involving numerical data or writing for specific audiences, like politicians or employers. This study will explore the integration of AI in writing assignments and its impact on assessing student engagement.

Keywords: college writing, generative AI, student engagement, higher education assessment