2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace and are increasingly integrated into various industries, it is essential to understand how incoming college students perceive and interact with these tools. This knowledge is critical for developing educational strategies that prepare students for a future where AI is central to professional and academic success. This study investigates the perceptions and usage patterns of AI tools among freshmen enrolled in an Intro to Engineering and Computing course through pre- and post-surveys conducted around an AI-focused lecture and the assessment of an assignment utilizing AI tools.

The pre-survey measures students' baseline familiarity with widely used AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI-driven applications, assessing how these tools are incorporated into academic tasks such as writing, homework, and problem-solving, as well as for non-academic purposes like entertainment and personal organization. The post-survey, administered after the AI lecture and assignment, much later in the semester, evaluates any shifts in students' awareness, confidence, and interest in utilizing these technologies. By comparing the survey results, the study captures changes in the students' understanding, comfort level, and enthusiasm for AI, offering insight into the potential of AI tools to enhance both academic performance and personal efficiency. The insights gathered from this research will inform the development of curricula that better integrate AI into educational practices, ensuring that students are well-equipped for a professional landscape where AI proficiency is increasingly vital.

Additionally, the same cohort will be surveyed again in three years, as they approach their senior capstone projects, to assess their experiences with AI throughout college and their readiness to apply AI tools in their future careers. These findings will inform the ongoing development of curricula that integrate AI technologies, ensuring students are well-prepared for a professional landscape increasingly shaped by AI proficiency.