Three Years On: Examining ChatGPT’s Impact on QCA Students’ Learning and Experiences

AI’s Growing Role in Education: A Tool or a Crutch?

Quad Cities, IL – December 4, 2025 – Three years after its launch, ChatGPT and other generative AI tools have fundamentally altered teh landscape of higher education, sparking debate among professors and widespread adoption by students. while OpenAI refocuses its efforts on enhancing ChatGPT’s speed, accuracy, and personalization – responding to growing competition in the AI space – educators in the Quad Cities are grappling with how to integrate, or counteract, its influence in the classroom.

A recent survey by Inside Higher Ed reveals that a staggering 85% of college students are now utilizing AI for a range of academic tasks,from editing and brainstorming to,in some instances,composing entire papers. This surge in usage has prompted concern from faculty, who are witnessing shifts in student engagement and learning habits.

“We’ve seen a drastic downturn in the number of drafts students are bringing into the writing center,” notes Matthew Balk, Director of Western Illinois University’s Writing Center and a professor with over nine years of experience.”I assume it’s the AI doing the brainstorming for them.” Balk urges students to “use this to train your brain,” rather than allowing AI to replace critical thinking skills.

The accessibility of these tools is also a concern. Jason Mahn, Professor of Religion at Augustana College and the Conrad Bergendoff Chair in the Humanities, points out that companies like OpenAI are actively targeting students with free access to their services, particularly during peak academic periods like midterms and finals.

Though,some professors are choosing to adapt,framing AI not as a threat,but as a tool. Doug Tschopp, Director of the Edge Center at Augustana College, emphasizes the importance of developing skills that AI cannot replicate. “I think the basic thing that students have to think about is how do I build skill sets that work with AI, that still, AI can’t replace,” he says.

Mahn draws a parallel to athletic training, stating, “The mental muscles are the same way.” He argues that students should approach learning with the same dedication and effort they apply to physical training, refusing to outsource the development of their cognitive abilities.

The impact of AI extends beyond college campuses, with incoming freshmen demonstrating a reliance on these tools developed during their high school years. As AI technology continues to evolve, the challenge for educators will be to guide students in harnessing its potential while safeguarding the core principles of critical thinking, self-reliant learning, and academic integrity.

https://apnews.com/article/openai-chatgpt-code-red-google-gemini-00d67442c7862e6663b0f07308e2a40d

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/academics/2025/08/29/survey-college-students-views-ai

How have QCA schools adapted their assessment policies to address the potential for AI-generated content from tools like ChatGPT?

The Rise of AI in Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCA) education

three years ago, the educational landscape in Queensland, governed by the QCA, began a significant shift with the widespread accessibility of ChatGPT. Initially met with both excitement and apprehension, this large language model (LLM) has become increasingly integrated into the learning experiences of students across all year levels. This article examines the multifaceted impact of ChatGPT on QCA students, covering academic performance, skill growth, and the evolving role of educators. We’ll explore how students are utilizing this technology, the challenges it presents, and strategies for maximizing its benefits within the QCA framework. Keywords: ChatGPT, QCA, Queensland education, AI in education, student learning, academic performance, assessment, generative AI.

How QCA Students Are Using ChatGPT: A Snapshot

the ways QCA students are employing chatgpt are diverse, extending beyond simple homework assistance. Common uses include:

* Brainstorming & Idea Generation: Students leverage ChatGPT to overcome writer’s block and explore different perspectives for assignments, particularly in subjects like English and History.

* Research Assistance: While not a replacement for scholarly sources, ChatGPT can quickly summarize complex topics and identify potential research avenues. Note: Critical evaluation of information remains paramount.

* Practise Questions & Exam preparation: Students utilize ChatGPT to generate practice questions aligned with QCA syllabus content, aiding in exam preparation for subjects like Maths and Science.

* Language Learning: For students studying languages, ChatGPT provides opportunities for conversational practice and grammar assistance.

* coding Support: In Digital Technologies, students use ChatGPT to debug code and understand programming concepts.

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impact on Academic Performance: A Mixed Bag

The impact on academic performance isn’t straightforward. Initial concerns about plagiarism were valid, and QCA schools implemented stricter policies regarding AI-generated content. However, studies suggest a more nuanced picture:

1. Improved Writing Quality (with caveats): Students who effectively use ChatGPT as a writing assistant – for outlining, grammar checking, and refining arguments – often produce higher-quality work. However, reliance on AI for complete content generation can hinder critical thinking and original thought.
2. Enhanced Understanding of Complex Concepts: ChatGPT’s ability to explain concepts in different ways can benefit students struggling with specific topics.
3. Potential for decreased Problem-Solving Skills: Over-reliance on ChatGPT to solve problems can impede the development of independant problem-solving abilities, particularly in STEM subjects.
4. Varied Results Across Subjects: The impact varies significantly depending on the subject matter. Subjects requiring critical analysis and original thought (e.g., English, History) are more susceptible to negative impacts if ChatGPT is misused.

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The Evolving Role of QCA Educators

The introduction of chatgpt has necessitated a shift in the role of QCA educators. The focus is moving away from simply delivering information to facilitating learning and fostering critical thinking skills. Key changes include:

* Integrating AI Literacy into the Curriculum: QCA schools are increasingly incorporating lessons on AI ethics, responsible AI use, and the limitations of LLMs.

* Redesigning Assessments: educators are adapting assessment methods to focus on higher-order thinking skills – analysis, evaluation, and creation – that are more difficult for AI to replicate. This includes increased emphasis on in-class essays, presentations, and project-based learning.

* Utilizing AI Detection Tools: While not foolproof, AI detection tools are being used to identify potential instances of plagiarism. It’s crucial to remember these tools are not definitive and require human judgment.

* Professional Development: QCA is providing professional development opportunities for teachers to learn how to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices.

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Challenges and Concerns: Addressing the Downsides

Despite the potential benefits, several challenges remain:

* Equity of Access: Not all students have equal access to technology and reliable internet connectivity, creating a digital divide.

* Bias in AI-Generated Content: ChatGPT can perpetuate existing biases present in its training data, perhaps leading to unfair or inaccurate information.

* Dependence and Reduced Cognitive Effort: Over-reliance on ChatGPT can lead to a decline in students’ cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills.

* Maintaining Academic Integrity: Ensuring students use ChatGPT ethically and responsibly remains a significant challenge.

Benefits of Responsible ChatGPT Integration

When used responsibly, ChatGPT offers several benefits for QCA students:

* Personalized Learning: ChatGPT can provide tailored feedback and support based on individual student needs.

* Increased Engagement: the interactive nature of ChatGPT can make learning more engaging and motivating.

* Improved Accessibility: ChatGPT can provide support for students with learning disabilities or language barriers.

* Development of 21st-Century Skills: Learning to effectively use AI tools is a valuable skill in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Practical Tips for QCA Students Using ChatGPT

* Treat ChatGPT as a Tool,Not a Replacement: Use it to assist your learning,not to