UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS AND THEIR ACADEMIC INTEREST IN ECONOMICS EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITY OF JOS

Abstract

This paper investigated the undergraduate students’ perception of generative artificial intelligence tools and their academic interest in economics education at university of Jos.The study was guided by three objectives and three corresponding research questions were
answered in the study. This study adopted a descriptive research design, specifically utilizing a cross-sectional survey approach to examine undergraduate Economics Education students’ perception of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and their influence on academic interest at the University of Jos. The population comprised all 478 undergraduate Economics Education students across 100 to 400 levels, from which a sample of 200 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher developed instrument titled "Undergraduate Students’ Perception of Generative AI and Academic Interest Questionnaire", which was validated by experts and achieved a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.71. The questionnaire contained 15 items structured on a 4- point scale across three sub-sections: awareness and usage, perceived usefulness and ease of
use, and influence on academic interest. Findings revealed among other things that, Findings revealed that undergraduate Economics Education students demonstrate moderate to high levels of awareness and usage of Generative AI tools for academic purposes. The study concluded that, Generative AI tools are becoming integral to students’ academic experiences,
serving as important supplements to traditional learning methods. However, the translation of positive perceptions into sustained academic effort requires structured institutional support. The study recommended among others things that, university authorities should provide structured training and workshops on effective and ethical use of Generative AI tools.