Maturity, 2 out of 3 students ready to ask ChatGPT for help to prepare

While 1 in 3 could use it on the exam

ROME – Once upon a time there were study groups to prepare for the high school leaving exam. Today, artificial intelligence is making headway in this field too. Over 1 in 4 graduates, in fact, are already “interrogating” tools such as ChatGPT or similar during the pre-exam review, to delve deeper into the topics to be prepared or to get a hand in overcoming moments of stalemate. And another large third (37%) could resort to it soon, if they found themselves in difficulty. In the end, therefore, AI could be a study companion for as many as 2 out of 3 students. A survey conducted by Skuola.net – on a sample of approximately 1,000 fifth graders – highlights this dynamic. in these days that separate us from the start of the tests.

Which exam step does artificial intelligence seem to be most useful for? Without a doubt the oral: 3 out of 4 users are using it (or could soon do so) to present themselves in front of the commission in great shape. In particular, approximately 33% of the high school graduates interviewed are using generative AI to review the program of the subjects for which they will be asked. While 42% are using it to generate tailor-made content in view of the interview: from the report on PCTOs (the former school-work alternation) to examples of multidisciplinary connections between the various topics of the disciplines covered by the last year of studies; so as to be ready when the professors ask to develop them. 15%, on the other hand, are asking ChatGPT and sisters to get examples of the topic, useful for the written Italian test. While 10% are using them to carry out second test simulations on the subjects characterizing their field of study.

The entry of artificial intelligence into the lives of high school graduates is not, however, the result of improvisation: 27% made use of it often and willingly during the last school year, to which is added a further 29% who used more occasionally and 20% in sporadic cases. Only 24% have never typed a prompt to “command” a generative AI. The most frequent uses? Above all to “write” essays and essays assigned for home or to prepare tests and questions by asking the chatbot for information. An ethically questionable approach which, from an examination perspective, could however turn into an illegal practice. Because many students apparently do not want to be satisfied with technological support only in the preparation phase. Many say they are ready to turn to AI even during tests, which is obviously strictly forbidden.

As many as 3 out of 10 high school graduates, however, are already warming up their engines: 17% are now sure that they will try to consult the virtual assistant during their writing, 13% will only do so if they find themselves out of water throat. Furthermore, it would not be a completely new fact: 37% of those interviewed have already used ChatGPT and similar at least once during a written test.