.jpg)
Introduction
WGU Labs, the research, development, and investment arm of Western Governors University (WGU), recently launched the Student Insights Council to center the student perspective in our innovation and decision-making processes. Made up of a diverse group of students from across WGU, the Council provides feedback on emerging ideas, pilot programs, and key research initiatives to help meet learners’ evolving needs.
Our first survey tasked the Council with sharing their views and experiences with AI in the learning journey. This research aimed to better understand how students are currently using generative AI tools, what they want and expect from AI in their learning journeys, and where they draw boundaries in terms of comfort and trust.
Overall, the data showed that most students are already using AI in their academic studies and are positive about future applications to streamline and enhance the learning experience. However, most students are not ready for AI tools to assist with evaluation or social and emotional support. Above all, students want transparency about how AI is used in the learning experience, as well as clear processes for how they can receive live support from staff when needed.
Note: This report includes preliminary, unweighted results. Final results may change slightly.
Key Insights
1. Most WGU students see clear benefits of AI in personalized learning and academic support
Students are generally positive about AI’s potential in education, particularly for academic support and personalized learning experiences. Fifty-nine percent of survey respondents said they are positive or very positive about AI’s use in education (Figure 1). Sixty-six percent believe AI would be very or extremely beneficial in helping students find and access university resources, and 59% see value in AI-powered personalized learning assessments. Fifty-two percent of the students surveyed believe that AI would be very or extremely beneficial in personalizing instruction based on unique preferences and needs. Students are less positive about AI’s role in grading coursework (33%), providing academic coaching and tutoring (34%), and providing mental health support (41%) were seen as less beneficial. (Figure 2).
2. Most WGU students already use AI — especially for learning support, brainstorming, and feedback
Most students (91%) are aware of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, with 64% saying that they are confident in their ability to use AI tools effectively. About two-thirds (67%) reported using AI tools at least occasionally, with 78% reporting they have used AI tools in their academic studies. Among students who have used AI in their academic studies, the most frequent uses are getting explanations of complex topics (48%), brainstorming creative ideas (41%), and receiving feedback on their work (39%). (Figure 3).
3. WGU students are comfortable with using AI for career and academic guidance but less comfortable using AI for evaluation and social and emotional support
Students’ comfort with AI-based applications varied based on how they would be used in the learning experience. Sixty-eight percent said they are somewhat or very comfortable with AI using career data to provide tailored guidance, and 66% feel comfortable with AI providing real-time feedback on assignments. Similarly, 65% reported feeling comfortable with AI-generated content for quizzes, assignments, or study guides, and 65% reported feeling comfortable receiving 24/7 course support from AI chatbots. However, comfort was significantly lower for AI taking on evaluative or social-emotional support roles — only 46% of students are comfortable with AI grading assessments, and only 41% feel comfortable with AI suggesting mental health strategies based on student data. (See figure 4.)
4. Students overwhelmingly value clear disclosure of AI applications
Students expressed optimism toward AI technologies in their education but were nearly unanimous in wanting to know when AI is involved in interactions and how to find support from staff when needed (Figure 5). These responses reflect foundational policy considerations for future AI applications in education.
“WGU believes that meaningful interaction between our students, faculty, and staff is critical to students’ success and remains a priority for us. At the same time, we know that AI technologies can help us provide the personalized, 24/7 support students tell us they need to succeed. The insights our students shared in this survey will provide us with invaluable information to guide our search for and evaluation of AI-powered solutions.”
- Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost
Conclusion
While we surveyed students at WGU, we believe these results are applicable to many learners at other institutions. Our preliminary survey findings suggest that students are optimistic about the role of AI in enhancing access to resources, personalizing instruction, and providing around-the-clock support. At the same time, students want human connection, transparency, and clear guidelines about when and how AI is used.
We’re excited to dig deeper into these findings and share more in the full research report, coming soon.
