1. AI and Students: What Universities Don't Know

In this first episode of season two, Yanyan Li, Meifang Zhuo, and Gunisha Aggarwal, three researchers from the University of Warwick, share findings from their WIHEA-funded study exploring how university students actually use AI in their academic work. Not what institutions think they should do, but what they're really doing.Through focus groups with Warwick students, their research reveals a complex picture that challenges assumptions about academic integrity and educational fairness. Students describe using AI as "strategic efficiency" tools - getting summaries before reading, help with essay structure, and grammar assistance - whilst simultaneously acknowledging risks of cognitive laziness and reduced social interaction with peers.The conversation explores AI's double-edged nature in education. Whilst serving as a vital equaliser for international students overcoming language barriers and neurodiverse learners managing cognitive demands, it's simultaneously creating new educational inequalities based on access to premium versions and technical literacy in prompting.Perhaps most striking is the policy disconnect: despite Warwick having detailed AI guidance, the overwhelming majority of focus group participants weren't aware formal policies existed. This leads to widespread underreporting of AI use - not from dishonesty, but from confusion about what's acceptable and fear of unconscious bias against AI users.The researchers advocate for moving beyond blanket institutional policies towards detailed, module-specific guidance. They argue universities should provide AI access as a basic resource, comparing ChatGPT subscriptions to library access, whilst helping students develop intentional, ethical approaches to AI use.We explore how 66% of employers now seek AI literacy skills, the environmental concerns students raise about AI use, and the fundamental question of maintaining human connection in an increasingly automated academic world.Essential listening for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in authentic student perspectives on AI in higher education.AI Ethics NowExploring the ethical dilemmas of AI in Higher Education and beyond.A University of Warwick IATL PodcastThis podcast series was developed by Dr Tom Ritchie and Dr Jennie Mills, the module leads of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IATL module ⁠"The AI Revolution: Ethics, Technology, and Society"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the University of Warwick. The AI Revolution module explores the history, current state, and potential futures of artificial intelligence, examining its profound impact on society, individuals, and the very definition of 'humanness.'This podcast was initially designed to provide a deeper dive into the key themes explored each week in class. We want to share the discussions we have had to help offer a broader, interdisciplinary perspective on the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence to a wider audience.Join each fortnight for new critical conversations on AI Ethics with local, national, and international experts.We will discuss:- Ethical Dimensions of AI: Fairness, bias, transparency, and accountability.- Societal Implications: How AI is transforming industries, economies, and our understanding of humanity.- The Future of AI: Potential benefits, risks, and shaping a future where AI serves humanity.If you want to join the podcast as a guest, contact [email protected].