Chatting Up the Grade : An Exploration on the Impact of ChatGPT on Self-Study Experience in Higher Education

Abstract: One of the more recent innovations in the field of AI is ChatGPT. It has caused a discourse in the world of academia. While there is research based on the use of ChatGPT concerning ethics and exams, there are not nearly enough studies conducted on the use of ChatGPT from the perspective of students and how it can be used for self-studies. This study focuses on the student's perspective and their usage of ChatGPT for their self-studies or learning within the context of education, by conducting an ethnographic study complimentary with a survey and interviews with students and educational consult in pedagogy at a university. The results suggest that students are interested in using ChatGPT for self-studies and that it can be a useful tool and generate a good user experience compared to traditional methods.  The knowledge gained from our studies resulted in a prototype that was made to support students’ needs and bridge the gap between students and the university.