A University of Sheffield lecturer has defended the use of AI in education, after some students suggested they were unwilling to use it during their studies.

The university has chosen not to ignore AI and embrace it as a helpful tool in assignments.

On its website, the institution sets out recently updated principles on generative AI, referring to a “positive approach” to the technology.

It also promises to support staff and students in “understanding the limitations and challenges of using such tools, and enable staff and students to use GenAI tools appropriately, responsibly and ethically.”

Student awareness of these principles has risen as they begins to near deadlines for end of year assignments.

Millie Longman, 19, undergraduate student said: “I appreciate why the university are learning to work with this and educate students on the best way to use AI.

“However, I think the university should be emphasising the importance of being able to come up with your own ideas without relying on AI.”

Emma Kerin, 19, undergraduate student said: “I don’t agree with it. I think it’s unnecessary and it isn’t fair to students who don’t use AI for their work.”

She added she had concerns about the environmental impact of AI.

Dr Emma Heywood, a lecturer in the university’s Information, Journalism and Communication department, said: “It’s a bit short-sighted to never use AI.

“In about two years time, you’ll be behind the curve, it’ll be like people who never started using the internet.”

Dr Heywood added: “I think it will extend the amount of research you’ll be able to do. But that begs the question whether it’s going to take over human analysis.”

Miss Longman said: “I’ve never used AI and don’t ever intend to use AI in my work.

“People have been able to graduate without using AI before so it’s definitely possible to never have to use AI to get my degree.”

Another undergraduate, 19-year-old Willow Sutherland, said: “I only use it as a last resort.”

This outlook by students appears to be motivated by ethical considerations over AI water usage and seeming less helpful than it seems.

Jemima Ainsworth, 20, undergraduate student said: “I think there are much more effective ways of helping with learning, even if they take longer.”