GROWING PRESENCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: EFFECTS OF LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN SELECTED GJC GRADE 11 STUDENTS

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly widespread across the globe, making various aspects of life more convenient for many individuals. One area significantly influenced by this advancement is education. Large Language Models (LLMs) are a form of artificial intelligence frequently used in various fields, particularly in education. As the number of users of these applications and websites continues to grow, ethical concerns associated with their use also increase. This study therefore sought to examine the effects of large language models on students’ academic performance as well as their ethical responsibilities. This study employed qualitative research methods, specifically a descriptive research design, to explore practical issues related to the use of large language models. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questions, supported by audio recordings. To determine how many students used any form of LLM for academic purposes, participants were identified by visiting classrooms and asking students to indicate their usage by raising their hands. The research showed that the age range of the participants was sixteen to seventeen years old, with sixteen identified as the average age of students using LLMs. The majority of these students identified as male. In terms of subject usage, students most commonly used LLMs in research-related and English-focused courses that required extensive essay writing, with most respondents reporting the use of ChatGPT. The findings revealed that LLMs help students understand unfamiliar terms, improve the quality of their academic work, and make school tasks easier to complete. Additionally, respondents indicated that when they act in an ethical and responsible manner, they become more conscious and aware of the unverified applications and websites they use. The study indicates that large language models can help students work more efficiently and produce higher-quality outputs by expanding their vocabulary, particularly in understanding uncommon terms. The findings also show that students who adopt an ethical and responsible approach to using LLMs become more cautious and discerning about the reliability of the websites and applications they access. This highlights the role of ethical responsibility in guiding students’ effective and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in academic settings.