HomeUniversal Journal of Educational Researchvol. 4 no. 4 (2025)

Exploring The Perceptions Of Middle Secondary School Students On The Integration Of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (Genai Tools) In Their Studies

Karma Wangda

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

In the era of accelerated technological advancements, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has evolved rapidly, impacting nearly every aspect of society. In this qualitative study, the perceptions of middle secondary school students from one school in Bhutan were explored to understand their lived experiences with using GenAI tools in their studies. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 18 students from classes 8 to 10. Results were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal multifaceted perspectives amongst students. While students acknowledged several advantages, such as personalised learning support and instant access to information, they also shared concerns about dependency, factual errors, and data privacy issues. Interestingly, one of the key insights was the students’ awareness of the need for a balanced approach. This study emphasises the importance of teachers providing guidance and scaffolding students with structured guidelines, combined with ethical education, to promote the responsible use of GenAI tools in educational contexts.



References:

  1. Alier, M., Peñalvo, F. J. G., & Camba, J. D. (2024). Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education: From Deceptive to Disruptive. International Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Artificial Intelligence, 8(5), 5–14.
  2. Amani, S., White, L., Balart, T., Arora, L., Shryock, D. K. J., Brumbelow, D. K., & Watson, D. K. L. (2023). Generative AI Perceptions: A Survey to Measure the Perceptions of Faculty, Staff, and Students on Generative AI Tools in Academia. arXiv Preprint arXiv:2304.14415.
  3. Bahroun, Z., Anane, C., Ahmed, V., & Zacca, A. (2023). Transforming Education: A Comprehensive Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Educational Settings through Bibliometric and Content Analysis. Sustainability, 15(17), 12983.
  4. Baidoo-Anu, D., & Ansah, L. O. (2023). Education in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the potential benefits of ChatGPT in promoting teaching and learning. Journal of AI, 7(1), 52–62.
  5. Bajaj, R., & Sharma, V. (2018). Smart Education with artificial intelligence based determination of learning styles. Procedia Computer Science, 132, 834–842.
  6. Baker, N. (2025). Generative Artificial Intelligence: Implications and Considerations for Higher Education Practice. Education Sciences. https://www.academia.edu/download/123654681/pdf.pdf
  7. Burkhard, M. (2022). Student Perceptions of AI-Powered Writing Tools: Towards Individualized Teaching Strategies. International Association for Development of the Information Society.
  8. Caratozzolo, P., Delgado, Á., & Hosseini, S. (2021). Creativity in Criticality: Tools for Generation Z students in STEM. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON46332.2021.9454110
  9. Chan, C. K. Y., & Hu, W. (2023). Students’ Voices on Generative AI: Perceptions, Benefits, and Challenges in Higher Education. arXiv Preprint arXiv:2305.00290.
  10. Chan, C. K. Y., & Zhou, W. (2023). Deconstructing Student Perceptions of Generative AI (GenAI) through an Expectancy Value Theory (EVT)-based Instrument. arXiv Preprint arXiv:2305.01186.
  11. Chedup, S., Subba, B., Utha, K., Zangmo, T., Gajmer, S., & Diswa, D. R. (2023). Importance of Modern Stem Technologies for Transformation of Stem Education in The Grassroots Level: An Experimental Study in Bhutan. Journal of Applied Engineering, Technology and Management, 3(1), 1–9.
  12. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
  13. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage publications.
  14. Davis, F. D. (1986). A technology acceptance model for empirically testing new end-user information systems: Theory and results.
  15. Dawa, T., Dhendup, S., Tashi, S., & Rosso, M. A. (2023). Technology Literacies and Chat GPT: Perspectives on Emerging Technology Adoption in Academic Writing. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31177.83042
  16. Dendup, S. (2024, July 8). RUB drafting new policy for using Generative AI to regulate academic writing. BBSCL. https://www.bbs.bt/206036/
  17. Dorji, K., Tshomo, T., & Dorji, S. (2021). Impact of Multimedia Technology Integrated Instruction on Students’ Learning Satisfaction in Bhutanese Classroom. Journal on School Educational Technology (JSCH), 17(3).
  18. Dorji, P. (2022). The study of primary Bhutanese teachers’ perceptions and practices towards the use of technology in teaching.
  19. Farrelly, T., & Baker, N. (2023). Generative artificial intelligence: Implications and considerations for higher education practice. Education Sciences, 13(11), 1109.
  20. García-Peñalvo, F. J., Llorens Largo, F., & Vidal, J. (2024). The new reality of education in the face of advances in generative artificial intelligence. RIED-Revista Iberoamericana de Educación a Distancia, 27(1), 9–39. https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.27.1.37716
  21. Idroes, G. M., Noviandy, T. R., Maulana, A., Irvanizam, I., Jalil, Z., Lensoni, L., Lala, A., Abas, A. H., Tallei, T. E., & Idroes, R. (2023). Student Perspectives on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Survey-Based Analysis. Journal of Educational Management and Learning, 1(1), 8–15.
  22. Kharisudin, I., & Ardiansyah, A. (2021). Factors of inhibit the mathematical critical thinking process of junior high school students. 1918(4), 042056.
  23. Klayklung, P., Chocksathaporn, P., Limna, P., Kraiwanit, T., & Jangjarat, K. (2023). Revolutionizing education with ChatGPT: Enhancing learning through conversational AI. https://philpapers.org/rec/KLAREW
  24. Lampou, R. (2023). The integration of artificial intelligence in education: Opportunities and challenges. Review of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 4, e15–e15.
  25. Mills, A., Bali, M., & Eaton, L. (2023). How do we respond to generative AI in education? Open educational practices give us a framework for an ongoing process. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1).
  26. Naeem, M., Ozuem, W., Howell, K., & Ranfagni, S. (2023). A Step-by-Step Process of Thematic Analysis to Develop a Conceptual Model in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 16094069231205789. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231205789
  27. Ortiz, S. (2023). What is generative AI and why is it so popular? Here’s everything you need to know. ZDNE. https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-generative-ai-and-why-is-it-so-popular-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/
  28. Pem, T., & Tenzing, J. (2024). Guideline for Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage in the Civil Service. RoyalCivil Service Commission and Government Technology. https://www.rcsc.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Notification-on-Gen-AI-usage-Guideline-2024.pdf
  29. Piaget, J. (1954). The construction of reality in the child. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315009650/construction-reality-child-jean-piaget
  30. Qadir, J. (2023). Engineering education in the era of ChatGPT: Promise and pitfalls of generative AI for education. 1–9.
  31. Royal Civil Service Commission and Government Technology. (2024). Guidline for Generative Artificial Intelligence usage in Civil Service. Royal Government of Bhutan.
  32. Ruiz-Rojas, L. I., Acosta-Vargas, P., De-Moreta-Llovet, J., & Gonzalez-Rodriguez, M. (2023). Empowering Education with Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools: Approach with an Instructional Design Matrix. Sustainability, 15(15), 11524.
  33. Sandhu, R., Channi, H. K., Ghai, D., Cheema, G. S., & Kaur, M. (2024). An Introduction to Generative AI Tools for Education 2030. Integrating Generative AI in Education to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals, 1–28.
  34. Sharma, T. P. (2023). Impact of Incorporating ICT Skills into the Curriculum of the Bhutanese Education System. South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics, 18(2), 47–61.
  35. Smith, B. (2016). Narrative analysis. Analysing Qualitative Data in Psychology, 2, 202–221.
  36. UNESCO. (2023a). Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. The UNESCO Courier.
  37. UNESCO. (2023b). Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/guidance-generative-ai-education-and-research
  38. Vousinas, G. (2025). Exploring the Impact of AI on Education: Implications and Future Trends. Journal for Future Society and Education, 2(2), 4–12. https://doi.org/10.3991/jfse.v2i2.53691
  39. Wangdi, J., Dema, K., & Jamtsho, S. (2025). Bhutanese Students’ Perceptions of ChatGPT in Enhancing Academic Writing in English. Sherub Doenme: The Research Journal of Sherubtse College, 18, 72–85.