Expectations for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: A Research on the Perceptions of Tourism Faculty Students

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 5 Sayı: 1, 78 - 97, 05.07.2024

Güzide Zeynep Egeli , Hülya Kurgun , Erdem Aktaş , Avşar Kurgun

https://doi.org/10.62001/gsijses.1480930

Öz

Rapid transformation and shaping of the education sector by evolving technologies are inevitable. The study aims to explore the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) within higher education, particularly in the tourism sector, and investigate students' perspectives on its usage. Existing research on this topic is limited, prompting a qualitative research approach in this study to obtain more in-depth findings. This involved conducting focus group discussions with nine first-year tourism management students who had attended four training seminars on digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications and possessed basic knowledge of the subject. The outcomes of these discussions, covering students' views on the impact of GenAI on academic performance, critical thinking and research skills, its contribution to post-graduation capabilities, potential misuse scenarios, and likely challenges, were subjected to content analysis. Among the primary research findings was that students are aware of security and ethics issues related to generative AI but are not concerned due to the availability of solutions. They perceive GenAI as an opportunity to enhance their learning experiences, academic performances, and future employability, but emphasize the necessity of using it as an auxiliary tool rather than relying entirely on these applications. Additionally, rather than immediately implementing these applications across all higher education institutions and departments, there is an emphasis on the necessity of transitional phase plans. Consequently, the study aimed to propose recommendations to higher education institutions, educators, and students based on both literature and practical insights to develop a framework aimed at a generative AI-centric approach. Moreover, valuable insights were sought to enhance the educational experience of future tourism professionals.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Generative artificial intelligence, higher education, digital transformation, education quality, focus group

Yaratıcı Yapay Zekanın Yükseköğretimde Kullanımına İlişkin Beklentiler: Turizm Fakültesi Öğrencilerinin Algıları Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Öz

Gelişen teknolojiler ile eğitim sektörünün hızla dönüşmesi ve şekillenmesi kaçınılmazdır. Bu araştırmada yaratıcı yapay zekanın turizm alanı başta olmak üzere yükseköğretimde dönüştürücü potansiyelinin incelenmesi ve kullanımına ilişkin öğrencilerin bakış açılarının ortaya konması amaçlanmıştır. Alanyazında konuya ilişkin araştırmalar sınırlı olup, bu çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi ile daha derinlemesine bulgular elde edilmesi hedeflenmiştir. Bu kapsamda dijital dönüşüm ve yapay zeka uygulamaları hakkında dört eğitim seminerine katılmış, konuyla ilgili temel bilgiye sahip 1. sınıf turizm işletmeciliği bölümünde öğrenim gören dokuz öğrenci ile odak grup görüşmeleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Odak grup görüşmeleri sonucunda öğrencilerin yaratıcı yapay zekanın akademik performanslarına, eleştirel düşünme ve araştırma becerileri, etkisi, mezuniyet sonrası yeteneklerine katkısı, hatalı kullanım senaryoları ve muhtemel zorluklar ile ilgili görüşleri içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Temel araştırma bulguları arasında öğrencilerin güvenlik ve etikle ilgili farkındalık sahibi olduğu ancak çözüm yolları olduğu için endişe duymadıkları belirlenmiştir. GenAI’nin öğrenim deneyimlerini, akademik performanslarını ve gelecekte işe alım ve performanslarını geliştirmek için çeşitli açılardan bir fırsat olarak görmekte, ancak onları bir yardımcı araç olarak kullanılması gerekliliğini vurgulamışlardır. Söz konusu uygulamaların etkin bir geçiş dönemi planı ile gerçekleştirilmesi hususunu işaret etmişlerdir. Sonuç olarak araştırma kapsamında yükseköğretimde eğitim kalitesinin geliştirilmesi için alanyazına ve uygulamaya yönelik yükseköğretim kurumlarına, eğiticilere ve öğrencilere yaratıcı yapay zekâ merkezli bir çerçeve sunulmuştur. Aynı zamanda gelecekteki turizm profesyonellerinin eğitim deneyimini geliştirmek için değerli iç görüler elde edilmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Yaratıcı yapay zeka, yükseköğretim kurumu, dijital dönüşüm, eğitim kalitesi, odak grup

Kaynakça

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