Investigating Faculty Background, Perceptions, and Practices Associated with Course-Based Uses of Generative AI at a STEM University

Author

Tariq Alghamdi, Florida Institute of TechnologyFollow

Date of Award

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mathematics and Systems Engineering

First Advisor

Thomas Marcinkowski

Second Advisor

T. Ryan White

Third Advisor

Lars Jones

Fourth Advisor

Gnana Bhaskar Tenali

Abstract

This study investigated faculty uses of generative AI for teaching and assessment at one STEM university. This research is recent and limited, with no prior research AITU institutions or this university. Research questions focused on faculty: (RQ1) demographic and academic characteristics; (RQ2) experiences; (RQ3) confidence; (RQ4) benefits and impacts; (RQ5) influences; (RQ6) implementation and evaluation of AI guidelines; and (RQ7) barriers and needs.

After reviewing AI policies at AITU members, and interviewing faculty from the AI committee, an 11-section survey was developed and piloted. It assessed faculty characteristics reflected in three frameworks: Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations, Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior, and UNESCO’s AI Competencies Framework for Teachers.

Following IRB approval, all full-time faculty on the main campus were invited to participate. The e-mail invitation contained a link to the Consent Form and Survey in Qualtrics. Of 66 responses received, 57 were usable. Qualtrics data were imported into Microsoft Excel for preparation and imported into SPSS. Responses were tested for reliability and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Respondents were experienced faculty from four colleges. Half integrating AI into their courses, yet 77% observed instances of student misuse. Confidence was moderate. Usage focused more on content generation than instructional transformation. Perceived benefits were tempered by concerns about student critical thinking. External professionals were prominent influences. While the Guideline provided flexibility, faculty struggled with enforcement. Finally, training and ethical guidance were identified as needs.

The final sections discussed (a) implications for theory, research, policy, and practice; (b) delimitations and limitations; and (c) recommendations.

Recommended Citation

Alghamdi, Tariq, "Investigating Faculty Background, Perceptions, and Practices Associated with Course-Based Uses of Generative AI at a STEM University" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1601.
https://repository.fit.edu/etd/1601