Generative AI for Students: The Essential Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence for Study at University

by David Meechan

Overview

"An incredibly accessible and well-structured guide that demystifies the use of AI in academia" - student review

Can Generative AI help you study? Absolutely. Ready to learn how? This is the book for you.

This practical guide puts a study buddy at your fingertips, showing you how to ethically leverage Generative Artificial Intelligence as a powerful study aid. Exploring a wide spectrum of topics, from demystifying jargon and fostering critical thinking to addressing diversity, inclusion and academic integrity, this book is an essential companion for any student looking to enhance their academic skill set and succeed in their studies.

By the end of this book you will:

- Become critically literate at using Generative AI
- Understand what the ethical use of Generative AI looks like in practice
- Learn how to use Generative AI to enhance traditional study methods
- Encounter real-life case studies and worked-through examples to put theory into practice
- Gain a comprehensive grounding in how to engage with Generative AI Tools

David Meechan is a Senior Lecturer in Education and member of the Centre for Active Digital Education (CADE) at the University of Northampton. He is an active member of the AI Special Interest Group within CADE.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529683424
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	01/31/2025
Series:	Student Success
Edition description:	First
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.53(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

David Meechan is the author of Generative AI for Students: The Essential Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence for Study at University. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Northampton.

David has worked in Higher Education in England since 2018, having previously trained and worked in a number of education related roles predominantly based within Early Childhood or Primary aspects of education. Since entering Higher Education, David has engaged with and supported a wide range of innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This has led to a natural interest in how technology, and more recently Artificial Intelligence, can be utilised in assisting students in the processes of study at university.

Table of Contents

PART I: What you need to know about Generative AI
Chapter 1: Navigating the AI Landscape
Chapter 2: What can Generative AI do for your study skills?
Chapter 3: Academic Integrity and the Ethical Use of using Generative AI at University
PART II: How to support your study with Generative AI
Chapter 4: Getting started with Generative AI
Chapter 5: Using generative AI tools to support your study
PART III: How to approach your assessments with Generative AI
Chapter 6: Essays
Chapter 7: Presentations
Chapter 8: Exams
Chapter 9: E-portfolios
PART IV: How to explore feedback with Generative AI
Chapter 10: Grades and feedback

Editorial Reviews

As AI becomes increasingly more widely used, it’s more and more important for students to know how to use it properly. This provides a thorough and detailed explanation of how Gen AI can support studying without crossing any ethical lines or getting you into trouble. It covers everything from introducing AI tools, using it to help plan assignments, refine study notes to making sense of feedback on assignments, as well as providing useful examples for many of the tip, with what was input from the user and the outcome from the AI. It also makes a good case for using AI, comparing the “old” method of studying to more modern practices. Rather than focusing on one specific AI tool (like Chat GPT), it gives general advice and refers to several different AIs, so readers can pick the AI that works best for them. This also means the book stays relevant even as AI keeps developing. If you’re student (or if not!), this book is a must-read to level-up your study game and improve the quality of your assignments.

James Murphy

David Meechan’s Generative AI for Students is an incredibly accessible and well-structured guide that demystifies the use of AI in academia. Written in a clear, engaging style, it offers a practical approach to integrating AI into university studies, making it an essential read for students looking to enhance their academic work efficiently and ethically.

As mentioned before, one of the book’s standout strengths is its easy-to-follow format. Meechan doesn’t just introduce AI tools—he explains which tools, where and how they can be most helpful, from brainstorming ideas and conducting research to refining drafts and interpreting feedback. The book highlights AI’s role as a study buddy, a Socratic-style revision aid, and even a skill-building companion (including its value for SEN students), all while stressing the importance of maintaining academic integrity.

Additionally, the test your knowledge quizzes at the end of each chapter were really useful. They helped reinforce key points, ensuring I wasn’t just passively absorbing information but actually understanding how to apply AI effectively and ethically in my studies. Furthermore, I found Meechan’s discussion on AI usage trends—high-achieving students being more likely to engage with AI, a fascinating observation. His comparison of AI to electricity also stood out, emphasising its growing inevitability in education.

Overall, this guide is a must-have for any student keen to use AI effectively and responsibly. Highly recommend!

Andra Abu ghuwaleh

A must-read for anyone working with students and/or wanting to better understand AI

This book is essential reading—not just for those working with students (though if you are, you really should read it!), but for anyone looking to understand AI better. It’s a user-friendly and insightful guide that breaks down how to use AI ethically and responsibly.

What really stood out to me was the emphasis on responsible AI use. The book offers practical advice and clear guidance, making it easy to see how AI can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully. Highly recommended!

Sarah Guscott