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ABSTRACT
This paper examines university students' perceptions of and experiences with using ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (GenAl) tool, to enhance their experiential learning. In this exploratory study, we designed a ChatGPT learning activity flow corresponding to the four experiential learning steps. Analysis of survey data collected from 70 students in a business college at a public university in the United States revealed that, under the guidance of the instructors, students learned to interact with ChatGPT through two prompts. Quantitative analysis suggested that the knowledge type and the associated cognitive process of studentcreated prompts depended on those of the prompt provided by their instructor, controlled by students' prior ChatGPT experience. In addition, qualitative data analysis revealed that students considered the GenAl tool helpful with their learning tasks and were satisfied with the content generated by ChatGPT. However, some students raised concerns about ChatGPT output involving metacognitive knowledge. Three themes emerged regardless of students' prior ChatGPT experience, but some subtle differences were observed. Our findings extend the literature on experiential learning and Bloom's taxonomy in the context of adopting GenAI in higher education. The study also contributes to Information Systems education by revealing challenges, offering suggestions, and proposing principles for GenAl-assisted learning. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research and policy making.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, Generative Al, Experiential learning & education, Bloom's taxonomy, Higher education
1. INTRODUCTION
Information technologies have been known to both disrupt and transform education. Yet not many technologies have caused such a broad and rapid disruption as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has in the past two years. One such tool is ChatGPT, a virtual chatbot based on GenAI technology that can mimic the grammar and structure of writing and produce digital content on various topics (Hao, 2023). Debuted in November 2022, ChatGPT reached 100 million monthly active users just two months after its launch (Milmo, 2023). According to OpenAI (2022), a GenAI system such as ChatGPT is driven by a neural network model that relies on cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning. It has been trained using massive amounts of data to generate responses. Due to its ability to understand natural human language and generate contextually coherent responses, ChatGPT has attracted substantial...