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The Rapid Rise of Generative AI Adoption among First-Year College Students

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Title: The Rapid Rise of Generative AI Adoption among First-Year College Students
Language: English
Authors: Mark Frydenberg, Kevin Mentzer, Adam Patterson
Source: Information Systems Education Journal. 2026 24(1):4-18.
Availability: Information Systems and Computing Academic Professionals. Box 488, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. e-mail: publisher@isedj.org; Web site: http://isedj.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, College Freshmen, Technology Integration, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, Computer Uses in Education, Data, Multiple Literacies, Digital Literacy, Computer Attitudes
Geographic Terms: Massachusetts
ISSN: 1545-679X
Abstract: This paper explores the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among 1,597 first-year college students at two New England college campuses during three semesters (Spring 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024), with a specific focus on Generative AI (GAI) tools like ChatGPT. After a comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis, findings indicate a significant increase in GAI awareness and utilization, primarily for academic tasks such as homework assignments, with some use in quizzes and exams. Regression analysis reveals that strong data literacy skills, specifically those related to data discovery, collection, and analysis, are linked to the adoption of AI technologies, while general digital literacy skills such as ability to use productivity applications and databases were not found to have a similar correlation. These results amplify the importance of enhancing data literacy to facilitate effective AI tool integration in academic settings. The study highlights the need for targeted educational strategies to improve data literacy, thereby promoting equitable access to AI technologies and mitigating potential biases. A limitation of this study is that the scope is limited to incoming college students. This research contributes to the understanding of AI adoption dynamics in higher education, providing insights for educators and policymakers to support the ethical and effective use of GAI tools in academic settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495079
Database: ERIC
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  Data: This paper explores the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among 1,597 first-year college students at two New England college campuses during three semesters (Spring 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024), with a specific focus on Generative AI (GAI) tools like ChatGPT. After a comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis, findings indicate a significant increase in GAI awareness and utilization, primarily for academic tasks such as homework assignments, with some use in quizzes and exams. Regression analysis reveals that strong data literacy skills, specifically those related to data discovery, collection, and analysis, are linked to the adoption of AI technologies, while general digital literacy skills such as ability to use productivity applications and databases were not found to have a similar correlation. These results amplify the importance of enhancing data literacy to facilitate effective AI tool integration in academic settings. The study highlights the need for targeted educational strategies to improve data literacy, thereby promoting equitable access to AI technologies and mitigating potential biases. A limitation of this study is that the scope is limited to incoming college students. This research contributes to the understanding of AI adoption dynamics in higher education, providing insights for educators and policymakers to support the ethical and effective use of GAI tools in academic settings.
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