Between learning support and ethical caution: university students’ perceptions of ChatGPT use

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15536/reducarmais.10.2026.4450

Keywords:

ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Learning., Ethics

Abstract

This article explores the perceptions of students at the Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA) regarding the use of ChatGPT in Higher Education for learning, writing, study organization, and ethics. This descriptive mixed-methods case study is derived from a master's thesis and features a sample of 130 undergraduate and graduate students. The participants responded to an online survey with open-ended and closed-ended questions using a Likert scale. Quantitative data were analyzed in Jamovi through descriptive statistics, while the open-ended responses were analyzed in IRAMUTEQ using word clouds and similarity analysis. Among the respondents, 96.2% had already used generative Artificial Intelligence to research concepts, complete activities, review texts, organize ideas, and save time. Despite this, they recognize the risks of technological dependence, response reliability, plagiarism, and assessment integrity. It is inferred that undergraduate students engage in operational use, whereas graduate students employ a more cautious use of ChatGPT. In both cohorts, AI is not perceived as a substitute for human intellectual activity, but rather as a conditional and guided support for critical, ethical, and pedagogical use.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Renata Nogueira Cunha, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA

    Holds a degree in Real Estate Business from the University of the Campanha Region (2002), a postgraduate degree in Public Management from Faculdade Unipública (2023), and a Master's degree in Education from the Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA). Currently works as an administrative assistant at the Federal University of Pampa. Has experience in the field of Administration, with an emphasis on Business Administration.

  • Sandra Dutra Piovesan, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA

    She holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Cruz Alta (2006), a degree in the Special Program for Teacher Training from the Federal University of Santa Maria, equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (2012), a Master's degree in Informatics from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2011), and a Doctorate in Informatics in Education from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2015). Currently, she is a researcher at the Federal University of Santa Maria and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and a professor at the Federal University of Pampa, in the Computer Engineering and Master's programs in Education. She has experience in the field of Computer Science, mainly working on the following topics: Formal Languages ​​and Automata, Distance Education, Informatics in Education, and Immersive Environments.

References

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Published

2026-07-04

Issue

Vol. 10 (2026): January - December

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Renata Nogueira Cunha, Sandra Dutra Piovesan

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How to Cite

Between learning support and ethical caution: university students’ perceptions of ChatGPT use. (2026). Educar Mais, 10, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15536/reducarmais.10.2026.4450