For my Changemaker Challenge, I participated in a research survey titled Exploring Student Engagement and Utilization of GenAI Summarization Tools. The survey took place in October 2025 through the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. It was part of a larger research effort focused on understanding how students use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, GitHub Copilot, and Gemini to support their coursework. The survey was anonymous, took about ten minutes to complete, and served as an opportunity to reflect on my own learning habits and engagement with technology. I completed it online and saved a screenshot of my completion page as proof of participation.
The goal of the survey was to explore how students use AI-generated summaries of academic texts and to understand the role these tools play in shaping study behaviors. It included questions about how often I used AI tools, how accurate I found them, and whether I compared the AI-generated summaries to the original readings. It also asked about the benefits and challenges of using AI for studying, prompting me to think deeply about my own experiences and how technology affects learning.
Participating in this survey made me reflect on my personal relationship with AI and how it has become integrated into my academic routine. I realized that I often rely on AI tools to help summarize readings, explain complex ideas, and assist with writing assignments. While these tools make my work more efficient, they also change the way I think and learn. I noticed that sometimes I use AI as a shortcut instead of fully engaging with the material. This reflection helped me understand that, although AI makes studying easier, it can also distance me from the deeper thinking and comprehension that come from doing the work myself.
The most successful part of this experience was that it encouraged me to think critically about how and why I use AI. It helped me see the balance between convenience and understanding. The least successful part was realizing that AI-generated summaries are not always reliable. I have seen AI leave out key ideas or present inaccurate information, which can be confusing if I depend on it too much. This showed me the importance of verifying what I read instead of accepting it automatically.
If I were to do this challenge differently, I would spend more time comparing AI summaries with the original sources. I would pay closer attention to what information gets lost or misinterpreted and think about how I can use AI as a support tool rather than as a replacement for real thinking. This would make me a more active learner and help me use technology in a smarter way.
This challenge will help me moving forward by making me more aware of my habits and more intentional about my learning process. It also made me think about how these insights can serve others. Many students rely on AI in similar ways, and by sharing what I learned, I can encourage others to reflect on their own use of technology. If more students become aware of the strengths and weaknesses of AI, it could lead to positive change in how we approach learning and digital literacy. This experience showed me that reflection is the first step toward improvement, both personally and collectively.
After completing this challenge, I am left with several questions. I wonder how different types of students, such as those in STEM versus the humanities, use AI differently and whether their trust in AI tools varies. I also wonder how educators can teach students to engage critically with AI instead of depending on it. Most of all, I think about how future AI systems could be designed to promote deeper thinking and engagement rather than quick answers.
Overall, participating in this survey gave me a better understanding of my relationship with AI and how it impacts my learning. It made me think about the importance of using technology responsibly and with awareness. More than anything, it reminded me that while AI can make learning easier, true understanding comes from active thinking and reflection. This experience inspired me to not only improve how I use AI myself but also to think about how this awareness could help others use technology in more meaningful and thoughtful ways.
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