Findings of a Recent Study

In recent years, digital technology – from AI tutors to collaborative platforms – has significantly impacted the learning habits of many university students. But does everyone use these tools in the same way? And do they truly improve academic performance?

A recent study by the University of Maribor sought to answer this.

The Essence of the Study

287 undergraduate and graduate students were surveyed about how they use digital technologies in their studies. Four main areas were examined:

  1. Artificial intelligence usage (e.g., ChatGPT, automated assessment, AI tutors)
  2. Online collaboration (shared documents, group work on platforms)
  3. E-board usage in lectures and for learning
  4. Technology overuse (screen time, distracting effects)

Students were categorized into four groups based on their academic average – from high-achievers to those with average results.

Results

  • The best results were achieved not by those who used technology the most, but by those who applied it consciously and selectively.
  • Students with very high performance showed balanced, responsible tool usage and effectively managed their attention.
  • The outstanding performers were strong in E-board usage and screen time management, but less active in AI and online collaboration.
  • Those achieving acceptable results used many AI and collaborative tools, but tended towards overuse.
  • The average performers showed the weakest overall picture, although they rated the benefits of AI most positively.

Conclusions

  • Conscious technology usage is more important than the quantity of use.
  • Self-regulation – such as managing distractions and screen time – can directly contribute to better academic results.
  • AI and online collaboration tools should be integrated into the learning process in a structured way, so they do not become superficial solutions.

The Largest Student Group and AI

In the study, students achieving „average” academic results formed the largest group – half of the participants. Interestingly, they rated the benefits of AI in education most positively, yet showed the lowest overall level of technology usage.

This suggests that the majority of university students are open to AI, but without structuring their technology usage and developing self-regulation, this positive attitude may not lead to real academic benefits.

Why Act Now?

The message of the study is clear: digital technology brings real progress when used consciously and adapted to learning goals. This is not something to wait years for – student habits and AI development change daily.

GoSchool offers a framework for this: it is both an educational and experimental platform where educators can safely test the integration of digital and AI tools, and students can receive direct support from the curriculum.

Thus, technology does not replace, but enhances – and change is not a future tense, but a present opportunity.