@article{ART003330126},
author={Kyung-ga, Byun},
title={University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education},
journal={International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL)},
year={2026},
volume={22},
number={22},
pages={33-46}
TY - JOUR
AU - Kyung-ga, Byun
TI - University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education
JO - International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL)
PY - 2026
VL - 22
IS - 22
PB - Glocal Institute of Language and Literary Studies(GILLS)
SP - 33
EP - 46
AB - This study investigates how university students conceptually understand generative AI and how such understanding shapes their expectations for its use. Written responses from 38 students on ChatGPT, its operating mechanisms, and future use were analyzed through the framework of mental models. The findings show that most participants relied on simple and intuitive rather than well-developed understandings of generative AI. Tw o misconceptions were especially prominent: the search engine model, which treats generative AI as a tool for retrieving and organizing external information, and the database model, which assumes that it recombines internally stored data. These mental models were closely related to students’ expectations, with many viewing generative AI primarily as an instrument for information search and organization.
By contrast, students with more refined understandings envisioned broader applications, including learning, writing, idea generation, and problem-solving. The study highlights the need for higher education to foster both conceptual and practical AI literacy.
KW - Generative AI; AI literacy; mental models; higher education; media education;media perception
DO -
UR -
ER -
Kyung-ga, Byun. (2026). University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education. International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL), 22(22), 33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun. 2026, "University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education", International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL), vol.22, no.22 pp.33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun "University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education" International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL) 22.22 pp.33-46 (2026) : 33.
Kyung-ga, Byun. University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education. 2026; 22(22), 33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun. "University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education" International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL) 22, no.22 (2026) : 33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun. University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education. International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL), 22(22), 33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun. University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education. International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL). 2026; 22(22) 33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun. University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education. 2026; 22(22), 33-46.
Kyung-ga, Byun. "University Students’ Conceptualizations of Generative AI and Their Expectations for Its Use: Implications for AI Literacy Education in Higher Education" International Journal of Glocal Language and Literary Studies(약칭: IGLL) 22, no.22 (2026) : 33-46.
