Problem

The Growing Reliance on AI in Education

Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude have become a common part of how university students study and complete coursework. These tools provide quick answers, explanations, and summaries that help students finish assignments more efficiently. While AI can be a valuable learning resource, many students increasingly rely on it to complete academic tasks rather than fully understanding the material themselves. 

Who Experiences This Problem? 

This problem primarily affects university students who regularly use AI tools for studying, assignments, and exam preparation. 

From our interviews with five university students, we found that students use AI frequently because it is fast, convenient, and available whenever they need help. Many participants reported using AI to explain concepts, summarize readings, answer questions, and review course materials. 

However, students also expressed concerns about becoming too dependent on AI and worried that relying on generated answers could limit their understanding of course content.

Figure 1. Empathy map summarizing what students say, think, do, and feel when using tools for coursework. Students value convenience and efficiency, but also worry about becoming overly dependent on AI.

Why Is This Problem Important? 

Over-reliance on AI can reduce opportunities for students to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills. 

Our research found that while AI helps students complete work faster, it may encourage passive learning when students accept answers without fully analyzing them. Over time, this can lead to a shallow understanding of concepts and reduced confidence in solving problems independently. 

This issue also impacts instructors and universities, who want students to use AI responsibly while maintaining academic integrity and genuine learning outcomes. 

Why Existing Solutions Do Not Fully Address It

Existing AI tools are helpful, but many of them focus more on speed and answer generation than long-term learning. Chat-based AI assistants can provide instant responses, but they do not always encourage students to think through problems on their own. 

Other learning tools, such as flashcards or study planning platforms, may help students memorize information or stay organized, but they often do not provide enough guided support for deeper understanding. Because of this, there is still a gap for a tool that helps students use AI responsibly while building real learning skills.

Figure 2. Affinity mapping of interview data revealed recurring themes, including frequent AI usage, concerns about over-reliance, and a desire for guidance-oriented learning support.