Elon University Research Explores Student Attitudes Toward Generative AI

Amanda Sturgill, an associate professor at Elon University's School of Communications, has been awarded an $850 grant from Kappa Tau Alpha, the national honor society for journalism and mass communication. This funding will support her research project titled "Is it apathy or anxiety? A pilot study of student motivations to use GenAI for communication work." The study aims to explore college students' motivations for utilizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their communication tasks and their willingness to disclose this use. This research is timely as educational institutions increasingly grapple with the integration of AI tools into curricula.

The significance of Sturgill's project lies in its potential to illuminate how AI impacts student learning and classroom dynamics. As AI technologies become more prevalent in educational settings, understanding students' motivations for their use is crucial. Sturgill notes that this insight will help educators develop strategies to guide students in using AI responsibly and effectively. The study will involve 15 to 20 students who will complete surveys and maintain daily diaries documenting their AI usage over five days. Follow-up interviews will further explore their experiences and perceptions regarding GenAI's role in enhancing their communication skills.

This research initiative is part of a broader trend in academia, where institutions are increasingly focused on understanding the implications of AI in education. As the landscape evolves, educators must adapt to the changing dynamics of student learning influenced by technology. Sturgill's findings may contribute to a larger discourse on how generative AI can be harnessed to improve educational outcomes while addressing concerns about its ethical use.

Kappa Tau Alpha has a history of supporting scholarly research in journalism and mass communication, having awarded over $44,000 in grants since 2003. Sturgill is among three recipients this year, alongside faculty from Louisiana State University and San Diego State University, who are exploring diverse topics such as stress reduction through animal videos and community access to local news. This collaborative approach highlights the society's commitment to fostering research that addresses contemporary challenges in communication.

As Sturgill prepares to present her findings at a communication conference in fall 2027, the implications of her research may extend beyond academia. The insights gained could inform policy decisions regarding AI use in educational settings and influence how institutions prepare students for a workforce increasingly reliant on technology. Moreover, as competition among educational institutions intensifies, those that effectively integrate AI into their curricula while fostering ethical usage may gain a strategic advantage in attracting students.

The trajectory of Sturgill's research signals a growing recognition of the need for educational frameworks that incorporate AI literacy. As generative AI becomes a standard tool in communication and other fields, the demand for research that elucidates its impact on learning will likely increase. This trend could lead to the development of specialized programs and curricula that equip students with the necessary skills to navigate an AI-driven landscape, ultimately shaping the future of education and communication.