Undergraduate Agency in Artificial Intelligence (AI) During Their Academic Routines

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into education is transforming higher education worldwide. It changes routine educational practices by providing a wide array of information for students. This study aims to examine the use of AI tools among undergraduates, specifically focusing on research writing and exam preparation. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews, the research uncovers students’ experiences, motivations, and challenges in adopting tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot. Findings indicate that perceived usefulness and ease of use strongly influence students’ engagement with AI. While AI enhances learning efficiency and knowledge acquisition, it also raises concerns about academic responsibility, critical thinking, and ethical use. Students recognize the benefits of AI but emphasize the need for clear guidelines and training to ensure responsible adoption. The study contributes to the growing literature on AI in education and provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers to integrate AI ethically and effectively.