Perceived Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Students’ Learning Experiences: A Case of Botho University, Lesotho

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6463-906-3_7How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI); student learning experience; academic integrity

Abstract

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, has revolutionised tertiary education worldwide at a rapid pace. This research investigated the effect of GenAI on the learning experience of final-year students at Botho University in the under-resourced country of Lesotho. Qualitative methodology was employed, and convenience sampling was adopted. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires distributed to thirty-five (35) students from all three faculties (Faculty of Business and Accounting, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and Faculty of Health and Education). The study found out that students primarily used GenAI tools for understanding difficult academic content, preparing for assessments and assisting with research tasks. Students indicated that their understanding pace was enhanced and they could tackle case-study-based problems more effectively, yet some of them were worried about overdependence on these technological tools and the unclear ethics in academic practice. The students agreed on the need for a policy at the university level for governing the use of AI and highlighted the need for cautious and controlled adoption. The research concludes that GenAI tools have the potential to provide useful learning support in under-resourced settings but need structured guidance, ethical frameworks, and institutional policies to facilitate effective and responsible use. Suggestions are made for AI literacy training, policy development, and redesigning assessments to promote critical thinking and academic integrity.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Likese Mota
AU  - ‘Matau Mothabeng
AU  - Mpho ‘Makatiso Seoane
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/12/12
TI  - Perceived Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Students’ Learning Experiences: A Case of Botho University, Lesotho
BT  - Proceedings of Botho University International Research Conference (BUIRC 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 106
EP  - 123
SN  - 3005-155X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-906-3_7
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6463-906-3_7
ID  - Mota2025
ER  -