Authors :
Evarist Samson Karobagwa
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3ckmm653
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/568utch7
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1374
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study aims to describe the effects of ChatGPT on students learning and students' academic performance in
higher learning institutions using Mzumbe University Main Campus as case. The nature of this study is descriptive with
mixed approach. Research data were obtained using self-administered questionnaires and interviews. The sample size was
98 students obtained through stratified simple randomly and purposive sampling techniques. Data processing, extracting of
themes and analysis were done using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings from most of respondents
(81.1%) revealed that most students advocate the use of ChatGPT since it enhancing their capacity in constructing learning
material and their overall academic performance. Results further indicate that, students were much motivated to use
ChatGPT due to time efficiency, peer and personal unwillingness, minimum versus maximum rewards where students
managed to get higher marks especially in take home and unsupervised assignment and personal unwillingness to study
scholar material such as journal, article and learning material provided by instructors. However, apart from the advantage
of using ChatGPT also revealed that too much dependence on AI tools including ChatGPT destroy some students studying
aspirations and commitment, brainstorming and critical thinking. The study concludes that’s there is no way that students,
leaners and instructors can avoid the use of AI tools including ChatGPT in the current era and therefore recommends that,
instead burning students from using AI tools, it is right time now to introduce proper and ethical way on how to use this
tools to sharpen knowledge and improve performance.
Keywords :
Academic Performance, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Learning, Higher Education Institutions.
References :
- Aina, M., and Joshua, W. (2024). Impact of ChatGPT in Higher Education Learning. JILTECH: Journal International of Lingua & Technology, 3(1).
- Almulla, M. A. (2024). Investigating influencing factors of learning satisfaction in AI ChatGPT for research: University students perspective. Heliyon, 10(11).
- Ampong, O.K., Acheampong, A. and Kevor, O.M. (2023). Acceptance of artificial intelligence Chat GPT in education. Trust, Innovativeness and Psychological Need of Students and machine learning in virtual reality technology.
- Anissa M., BettayebAnissa M., Bettayeb, A. T., Manar, A.T., Altayasinah, A. Z., and Sobhe, A., (2024). Exploring the impact of ChatGPT: conversational AI in education. Volume 9 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1379796
- Artur, S. (2023). To use or not use Chat GPT in higher education: A study of students’ acceptance and use of technology.
- Ashraf, M. A., Alam, J., and Kalim, U. (2025). Effects of ChatGPT on students’ academic performance in Pakistan higher education classrooms. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 16434.
- Batool, F., Lateel, A., Mehmood, S., and Lateel, K. (2025). Effects of ChatGPT on students academic performance at undergraduate level. Policy Journal of Social Science Review. Vol. 8 NO 1 (2025).
- Baynit, M., Mnyanyi, B.F.C., and Msoroka, S. M., (2025). Digital learning in the edge of artificial intelligence: Insights from selected higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Africa Quarterly Social Review, 2(2), 96-112. Retrieved from https://dio.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.2.9.
- Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2019), To saturate or not to saturate? Questioning data saturation as a useful concept for thematic analysis and sample-size rationales useful concept for thematic analysis and sample-size rationales. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 1-16, doi: 10.1080/2159676X.2019.1704846.
- Cariño, K. J. C. (2024). The impact of academic workload, time pressure, and performance expectations on chatgpt utilization and dependence: a structural equation model (Doctoral dissertation, University of Santo Tomas).
- Chukwuere, J. E. (2024). The use of ChatGPT in higher education: The advantages and disadvantages.
- Duong, D. C, Vu, T. N., Ngo, N. V., Do, D. N and Tran, M. N. (2024). Reduce students life satisfaction and academic performance: Unraveling the Dark Side of the ChatGPT in the Higher Education Context.
- Firaina, R., and Sulisworo, D. (2023). Exploring the usage of ChatGPT in higher education: Frequency and impact on productivity. Buletin Edukasi Indonesia, 2(01).
- Mollel, S. G. (2025). Determinants of AI utilization among Tanzania Higher learning students: Examining Trends, Predictors, and Academic Applications. Vol 8 No 1 East African Journal of Information Technology.
- Gonzalez-Garcia, A., Bermejo-Martinez, D., Lopez-Alonso, A. I., Trevisson-Redondo, B., Martín-Vázquez, C., and Perez-Gonzalez, S. (2025). Impact of ChatGPT usage on nursing students education: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon, 11(1).
- Haroon, A. (2023). ChatGpt Impact on Student Educational Performance: A Conceptual Analysis Abdaljaleel, M., Barakat, M., Alsanafi, M., Salim, N. A., Abazid, H., Malaeb, D., and Sallam, M. (2024). A multinational study on the factors influencing university students’ attitudes and usage of ChatGPT. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1983.
- Joknen, H., Nasir, A., and Martin, D. (2021). The impact of artificial intelligence on academic performance: Case study and trends. Journal of educational research and development.
- Jowarder, M. I. (2023). The influence of ChatGPT on social science students: Insights drawn from undergraduate students in the United States. Indonesian Journal of Innovation and Applied Sciences (IJIAS), 3(2), 194-200.
- Khadidja, K. (2020). Constructivist theories of Piaget and Vygotsky: Implications for pedagogical practices.
- Klimova, B., and Pikhart, M. (2025). Exploring the effects of artificial intelligence on student and academic well-being in higher education: A mini-review. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1498132.
- Komba, M. M. (2024). The influence of ChatGPT on digital learning: experience among university students. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, (ahead-of-print).
- Largou, S., and Isam, R. A. H. (2023). Investigating Moroccan University Students’ Attitudes towards ChatGPT as a Learning Tool and its Impact on their Academic Performance. Innovation, Technology, Education and Communication, (7).
- Lee, S. K., Ryu, J., Jie, Y., and MaD. H. (2025). Motivations and Affordances of ChatGPT Usage for College Students’ Learning. Media and Communication, 13.
- Matto, G. (2024). Is Chat GPT building or destroying education? Perception of university students in Tanzania. Journal of Education and Learning Technology (JELT). 2024
- Matto, G., and Ponera, J. M. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Institutions in Tanzania.
- Mhlanga, D. (2023). Open AI in education, the responsible and ethical use of ChatGPT towards lifelong learning. In FinTech and artificial intelligence for sustainable development: The role of smart technologies in achieving development goals. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
- Muñoz, S. A. S., Gayoso, G. G., Huambo, A. C., Tapia, R. D. C., Incaluque, J. L., Aguila, O. E. P.,Cajamarca, J. C. R., Acevedo, J. E. R., Rivera, H. V. H., and Arias-Gonzáles, J. L. (2023). Examining the Impacts of ChatGPT on Student Motivation and Engagement. Przestrzen Spoleczna, 23(1), 1–27.
- Mwalulesa, A., and Marobhe, T. (2025). The Impacts of AI on Student Academic Performance at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania, (MNMA): A Comprehensive Study. East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 8(2), 297-304. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajass.8.2.3080
- Mwilongo, K.J., Mwageni, R., and Matto, G. (2022). Emerging assumptions and the future of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning processes in higher learning Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of literature”, Zambia Journal of Library & Information Science
- Nababan, D., Hidayanto, A. N., Syahbuddin, B. H., Setiawan, S., and Sihotang, D. M. (2025). Analysing the factors that influence the intention in utilizing ChatGPT as a lecture support tool based on social cognitive theory perspective. In 2025 16th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management and E-Learning (IC4e) (pp. 602-606). IEEE.
- National digital education strategy (2024/25 – 2029/30). Ministry of science and technology. United Republic of Tanzania.
- National guideline for artificial intelligence in education (January, 2025). Ministry of science and technology. United Republic of Tanzania.
- Nurtayeva, T., Salim, M., Taha, B.T., and Khalilou, S. (2023). The influence of Chat GPT and AI tolls on the academic performance. Tishk International University. Vol. 22: ISSUE 06 (june) 2023
- Piaget, J. (1976). Constructivism learning theory. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
- Piaget, J. (1976). Constructivism learning theory. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
- Raman, R., Mandal, S., Das, P., Kaur, T., Sanjanasri, J. P., and Nedungadi, P. (2023). University students as early adopters of ChatGPT: Innovation Diffusion Study
- Russell, S. J., & Norvig, P. (2021). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th ed.). Pearson.
https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Intelligence-A-Modern-Approach/dp/0134610997
- Samson, B., Luriaga, R., and Ebardo, R. (2024). Do academic stress and risk propensity affect behavioral intention to use ChatGPT among University Students?. In International Conference on Computers in Education.
- Sok, S., and Heng, K. (2023). Chat GPT for education and research: A review of benefits and risks: Cambodia Journal of Education Research. (2023).
- Stack, M. (2023). Investigating an Assessment Design that Prevents Students from Using ChatGPT: As the Sole Basis to Pass Assessment at the Tertiary Level.
- Streubert, H.J., and Carpenter, D.R. (2003), Qualitative Research in Nursing: Advancing the Humanistic Imperative, 2nd Ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia
- Strohmeier, S. (2022). Artificial intelligence in human resources-an introduction. In Handbook of research on artificial intelligence in human resource management (pp. 1-22). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,5&q=Russell+%26+Norvig,+2021.+artificial+intelligence
- Stuart, M. E., (2024). Effect of artificial intelligence on the academic competency of students of higher learning institutions: A case study of Kampala International University in Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of multidisciplinary studies Vol. 1. No. 2 (2024), pp:63-84
- Sullivan, M, Kelly, A., and Mclaughlan, P. (2023). Chat GPT in higher learning education: Consideration for academic integrity and student learning. Journal of applied learning & teaching. Vol. 6 No. 1, (2023).
- Szatar, J., (November 10, 2024). What is an AI Tool? How Artificial Intelligence Tools Work [2025 Guide].
- The citizen newspaper. (December 09, 2022). Tanzanians are against the use of artificial intelligence- report
- UNESCO, (2019). Beijing Consensus on Artificial Intelligence and Education: Retrieved from https://coilink.org/20.500.12592/rj99gf on 16 Sep 2025. COI: 20.500.12592/rj99gf.
- Victor, D. (2024). Factors and Impacts of ChatGPT Adoption for Academic Purposes in Higher Learning Institutions: Students' Perspectives. Global Scientific Journals, 12(8).
- Wang, M., Zhang, Y., and Liu, H. (2023). ChatGPT and its impacts on students learning: A review of emerging trends in academic performance. Journal of educational technology & society.
- Williams, K. (15 September, 2024). Stratified Sampling: Definition, Formula, Examples, Types
- Yosifova, A. (2023. August 14). The evolution of Chat GPT: History and future
- Sila, C., William, C., Yunus, M., and Rafiq, K. (2023). Exploring students’ perception of using ChatGPT in higher education. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(12), 4044-4054.
- Vygotsky, L. S., & Cole, M. (1978). Mind in society: Development of higher psychological processes. Harvard university press.
- Wang, J., and Fan, W. The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 621 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04787-y
This study aims to describe the effects of ChatGPT on students learning and students' academic performance in
higher learning institutions using Mzumbe University Main Campus as case. The nature of this study is descriptive with
mixed approach. Research data were obtained using self-administered questionnaires and interviews. The sample size was
98 students obtained through stratified simple randomly and purposive sampling techniques. Data processing, extracting of
themes and analysis were done using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings from most of respondents
(81.1%) revealed that most students advocate the use of ChatGPT since it enhancing their capacity in constructing learning
material and their overall academic performance. Results further indicate that, students were much motivated to use
ChatGPT due to time efficiency, peer and personal unwillingness, minimum versus maximum rewards where students
managed to get higher marks especially in take home and unsupervised assignment and personal unwillingness to study
scholar material such as journal, article and learning material provided by instructors. However, apart from the advantage
of using ChatGPT also revealed that too much dependence on AI tools including ChatGPT destroy some students studying
aspirations and commitment, brainstorming and critical thinking. The study concludes that’s there is no way that students,
leaners and instructors can avoid the use of AI tools including ChatGPT in the current era and therefore recommends that,
instead burning students from using AI tools, it is right time now to introduce proper and ethical way on how to use this
tools to sharpen knowledge and improve performance.
Keywords :
Academic Performance, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Learning, Higher Education Institutions.