EVALUATION OF THE USAGE OF AI TOOLS FOR EDUCATION BY POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AT BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in education has transformed traditional learning environments, offering innovative solutions to enhance student engagement, academic performance, and research productivity. This study investigates the awareness, usage patterns, and perceptions of AI-based educational tools among postgraduate (PG) students at Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India. Using a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, data were collected from 173 PG and integrated PG students across diverse academic disciplines. The analysis focused on a wide range of AI tools across several functional categories: personalized learning platforms, classroom management software, research and academic support applications, content creation tools, collaboration and communication platforms, evaluation and feedback systems, study assistance tools, and generative AI assistants such as chatbots. Percentage-based statistical techniques were used to interpret the collected data. The findings indicate that while tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, Canva, QuillBot, and Brainly are gaining significant traction among students, awareness and usage of other tools—such as Synthesia, Cognii, Ref-N-Write, and certain AI note-taking and coding platforms—remain limited. Students reported that AI tools assist in academic writing, content generation, learning support, and feedback processes, improving overall efficiency. However, concerns related to ethical use, data privacy, and excessive dependency on AI were also highlighted. The research concludes with a call for structured AI literacy initiatives, faculty training, and policy formulation to promote the ethical and effective integration of AI in academic environments. The study provides valuable insights for educational stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of institutional readiness and strategic implementation to maximize AI’s educational potential.