Assessing AI Awareness, Utilization, and Perceived Benefits Among College Students at Wesleyan University Philippines

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integrated into higher education, influencing how students access information, complete academic tasks, and support their learning. This study assessed the awareness, utilization,
respondents’ demographic profiles, identified AI tools used for studying and their purposes, and determined students’ levels of AI awareness, utilization, and perceived benefits. A quantitative research design was employed using a researcher-made, expert-validated, and pilot-tested survey questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to select 129 undergraduate students from different departments who were familiar with AI tools. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean.Findings revealed that most respondents were female and fourth-year students. ChatGPT was the most commonly used AI tool, while writing assistance and research and information gathering were the leading purposes for AI use. Respondents demonstrated a high level of AI awareness, with an overall weighted mean of 3.57, indicating that they were fully aware of AI concepts, applications, limitations, and related concerns. AI utilization obtained an overall weighted mean of 3.19, indicating that students sometimes used AI, particularly for accessing AI tools and searching complex topics. Perceived benefits obtained an overall weighted mean of 3.23, interpreted as moderately agree, with reduced educational expenses, time savings, and improved productivity among the notable benefits. The study concludes that AI serves as a valuable academic support tool, although responsible utilization, critical evaluation of AI-generated information, and strengthened AI literacy remain important for students in higher education.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI Awareness, AI Utilization, Perceived Benefits, Higher Education, College Students, Academic Support