15:15 - 16:15
Parallel sessions 9
15:15 - 16:15
Location: Room 253
The last presenter of the session is kindly asked to take over the moderation of the session helping to keep the time.
Each presenter is invited to use up to 15 min for presentation and up to 5 min for Q&A.
Submission 192
Finalist for Best Research Paper Award: Before the First Prompt: Understanding Students’ Pre‑Use Perceptions of an AI Digital Assistant in Higher Education
Presented by: Chris Edwards
Chris EdwardsDenise WhitelockFelipe TessaroloDuygu BektikEmily CoughlanChristothea Herodotou
Open University

This paper provides a fresh analysis of existing data from a recent faculty based pilot study of an AI Digital Assistant (AIDA). It reveals insights into student attitudes towards AI as they commence their university study, showing that whilst a third of new undergraduate students at [this university] come with no experience of using GenAI they do, like others, bring some expectations and understandings regarding the technology. The ubiquity of generative AI (GenAI) in this newly AI-infused world means that universities are no longer solely introducing students to AI but increasingly supporting students in learning to use it to develop good academic practice. A k-means cluster analysis also suggests several data-driven personas, tentatively named: Technology explorers, Studying in a second language, Younger adults, Decidedly against, Experienced and mature learners, Tentative learners. These are then enriched through analysis of open text comment using Discourse of the Collective Subject methodology. If these prove to be robust across the cohort, they will support those communicating with students, teaching, and in developing the curriculum and in creating a better AIDA that supports personalisation in ways we have not previously managed.