This study examines college students’ perceptions of AI Teaching Assistants (AITAs) in higher education, focusing on their communication experiences and expectations. Using qualitative data from (n=89) open-ended survey responses, six key themes emerged, spanning differences in information processing, social interaction, and task efficiency. Students appreciated AITAs for their speed, availability, and potential to provide unbiased feedback, yet expressed concerns about accuracy and trustworthiness. While AITAs were seen as approachable for simple or low-stakes inquiries, students emphasized the importance of human instructors for complex, nuanced, or emotional support. The findings highlight a preference for maintaining human connections in education while leveraging AI to enhance efficiency in administrative and repetitive tasks. The study underscores the need for human-centered design in AI tools to complement rather than replace human educators, ensuring technology integration aligns with ethical and pedagogical principles to support meaningful learning experiences.
Sarah Steimel (2026) studied this question.