Comprehensive study reveals: Over half improve learning and exam results with AI
The representative study "IU Learning Report 2024" analyses the learning behavior of individuals in Germany
According to a representative survey by the IU, 57.9 per cent of respondents said that AI had improved their learning and exam results.
- Over a third of respondents have already consciously used AI in a learning context.
- Just under a quarter of respondents with AI experience in learning use AI technologies to prepare for exams.
- More than half of people in Germany find the use of AI tools in education very or somewhat positive.
- Flexibility and customised learning are cited as the most common advantages of AI in learning.
Erfurt, Germany, 21 January 2025. 24 January is International Education Day. Generative artificial intelligence has become a key topic in education since the publication of ChatGPT more than two years ago. According to the "IU Learning Report 2024", published at the beginning of December by IU International University of Applied Sciences, 35.8 per cent of respondents have already consciously gained experience with AI technology in a learning context. Almost a quarter of these respondents (23.4 per cent) use AI to prepare for exams.
It is particularly noteworthy that 57.9% of individuals with experience using AI in learning report that their learning or exam results have improved significantly or moderately through the use of AI technologies like ChatGPT.
According to the representative IU study, more than half of people in Germany with AI experience in learning (54.5 per cent) rate the use of AI tools in education - whether in schools, at university or in further education - as very positive or somewhat positive. In addition, almost half of respondents with AI experience in learning (48.0 per cent) see learning apps and AI programmes as helpful support, with 13.6 per cent even rating them as very helpful.
Most frequently cited advantages of AI learning: flexibility and more individualised learning
Flexibility and personalisation are among the greatest advantages that people in Germany see in the use of AI technologies such as ChatGPT or DeepL for learning. The most frequently cited benefits were "location-independent learning" (41.8 per cent), "time-independent learning" (39.7 per cent) and "learning at your own pace" (36.1 per cent).
Other advantages include impartiality when asking supposedly "stupid questions" (34.8 per cent) and "personalised learning, e.g. by asking questions or discussing the topic" (33.8 per cent). Only 8.0 per cent of respondents do not see any advantages in the use of learning apps and AI .
"AI technologies and learning apps have become an integral part of everyday learning. Many learning apps now integrate AI-based approaches that enable learners to flexibilise and individualise the learning process to a high degree. It is therefore important to continuously develop these technologies so that they can help to promote personalised learning and make learning resources more accessible and effective," says Prof. Dr Kristina Schaaff, Professor of Digital Transformation with a focus on AI at IU International University of Applied Sciences.
Internal analysis of IU confirms faster learning success through AI
The results of the learning report also show that 21.6 per cent of respondents consider "faster learning" to be one of the key benefits of AI technologies in the learning context. This is in line with internal analyses at IU International University of Applied Sciences, which also point to increased learning efficiency: At IU, students have access to the AI-supported learning assistant Syntea, which provides them with targeted support in preparing for exams through personalised prior knowledge tests, for example. An initial study showed that IU students who use these tests are able to complete their courses up to 27 per cent faster.
About the study
The "IU Learning Report 2024: How Germany learns" by IU International University of Applied Sciences examines issues relating to education and learning. For the study, IU surveyed 2,512 people in Germany between the ages of 16 and 65, representative by age and gender. The survey was conducted between 27 March and 9 April 2024.
You can find the complete study at: https://www.iu.de/en/research/studies/iu-learning-report-2024/
About the expert
Prof. Dr Kristina Schaaff is Professor of Digital Transformation with a focus on AI at IU International Universityof Applied Sciences. Her research focuses on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and affective computing.
With nearly 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution, based in Erfurt, began teaching in 2000 and now has 37 campuses. IU stands for maximum flexibility in study: whether through dual study, distance learning or on campus – students from over 160 nations tailor their educational path to suit their individual circumstances. With more than 200 degree programmes at bachelor’s, master’s and MBA level, IU imparts practical skills. Innovative learning concepts foster targeted, future-proof skills for an increasingly AI-driven world of work. A modern, digitally supported learning environment and the use of artificial intelligence enable effective, personalised learning. As a pioneer in this field, IU has developed its own digital learning companion, ‘Syntea’, which has been in use since 2023. A network of over 15,000 companies – including Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn – makes IU a strong partner in the training of skilled workers and consistently links academic teaching with practical experience. Further information at: iu.org
Contact
|
IU International University of Applied Sciences Press Department |