Evaluating the Impact of ChatGPT on Student Performance in Academic Writing

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Evaluating the Impact of ChatGPT on Student Performance in Academic Writing
Language: English
Authors: Stephanie Baines (ORCID 0000-0001-7293-9517), Arnold Patrao (ORCID 0009-0003-5752-7110), Xhoana Zhupa (ORCID 0009-0006-4347-6641), Lyubomira Gramcheva (ORCID 0000-0002-3993-800X), Vesco Paskalev (ORCID 0000-0002-9297-3461), Pauldy C. J. Otermans (ORCID 0000-0001-8495-348X)
Source: International Journal of Technology in Education. 2026 9(1):109-126.
Availability: International Society for Technology, Education, and Science. ISTES Organization, Monument, CO 80132. e-mail: istesorganization@gmail.com; e-mail: ijteoffice@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijte.net/index.php/ijte/about
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Higher Education, Undergraduate Students, Essays, Writing Evaluation, Academic Language, Computer Uses in Education, Writing Skills, Writing Strategies, Student Attitudes, Influence of Technology
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
ISSN: 2689-2758
Abstract: Understanding how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT can be useful for students and educators is essential as AI is being integrated into our everyday lives and is shaping educational practices and can enhance student learning. This study investigated whether the use of ChatGPT helped students write their essays better. Data were collected from 21 undergraduate students at a UK university. All participants were required to write two essays: one with the use of ChatGPT and one without the use of ChatGPT. They were given 25 minutes to write each essay. The results indicated that there was a difference in the quality and structure of the essays which led to a higher grade for essays where ChatGPT was used. Students who used AI for their first essay also scored higher in the second essay where they did not use AI. These results aligned with our hypotheses that students would score higher grades when writing essays with the help of ChatGPT, and that students who used ChatGPT for the first essay would score higher in the second essay which was without the use of ChatGPT. The findings provide insights on the usefulness of ChatGPT and how its further development can enhance student learning experiences. The study signifies the importance and reliability of AI tools like ChatGPT in the education sector.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1494297
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Understanding how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT can be useful for students and educators is essential as AI is being integrated into our everyday lives and is shaping educational practices and can enhance student learning. This study investigated whether the use of ChatGPT helped students write their essays better. Data were collected from 21 undergraduate students at a UK university. All participants were required to write two essays: one with the use of ChatGPT and one without the use of ChatGPT. They were given 25 minutes to write each essay. The results indicated that there was a difference in the quality and structure of the essays which led to a higher grade for essays where ChatGPT was used. Students who used AI for their first essay also scored higher in the second essay where they did not use AI. These results aligned with our hypotheses that students would score higher grades when writing essays with the help of ChatGPT, and that students who used ChatGPT for the first essay would score higher in the second essay which was without the use of ChatGPT. The findings provide insights on the usefulness of ChatGPT and how its further development can enhance student learning experiences. The study signifies the importance and reliability of AI tools like ChatGPT in the education sector.
ISSN:2689-2758