A Case Study on University (Graduate) Students’ Experience using Interactive Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Services: Focusing on ChatGPT

Objectives The purpose of this study is to present how university (graduate) students use ChatGPT, an interactive artificial intelligence chatbot service, and what their perceptions are about it. Methods In order to achieve research objectives, We interviewed six college (graduate) students who had experience voluntarily using ChatGPT starting in early 2023, immediately after the launch of the ChatGPT service. Afterwards, we derived research results through the process of interview content analysis, member checking, and revision. Results First, university (graduate) students' satisfaction with their first experience of using ChatGPT influenced the frequency and reliability of subsequent ChatGPT use. Second, the purpose of using ChatGPT was information/ knowledge search, acquisition, confirmation, translation, coding and code modification, writing, foreign language learning, and brainstorming. Third, the method of use changed depending on the purpose of using ChatGPT. When brainstorming was needed, simple questions were asked about topics or keywords, and when in-depth information or knowledge was needed, the field, concept, and type of desired answer were specifically presented. When students checked their understanding or needed specific information, they first organized their thoughts and then asked questions. Additionally, they asked questions as if they were talking to a person, verified the information and answers provided by ChatGPT on their own rather than using them as is, and searched for related literature when necessary. Fourth, students recognized that the main characteristic of ChatGPT is that it provides easy and convenient access to various knowledge and information. Fifth, students mentioned that ChatGPT helps learning by saving time and acquiring ideas, but it has limitations such as acquiring incorrect knowledge and information, need for additional confirmation, and low learning effectiveness. Conclusions University (graduate) students are actively experiencing various areas of use of ChatGPT and are receiving meaningful help in learning using it. In the future, it will be necessary to clearly guide students on the strengths and limitations and discover and share various use cases so that they can use ChatGPT effectively.