The role of ChatGPT in the development of academic skills according to study areas

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v33.3428
Keywords: ChatGPT, artificial intelligence, higher education, academic skills, perceived usefulness, study areas

Abstract

This study examines the perceived usefulness of ChatGPT in developing specific academic skills among students from various fields of study. Using a quantitative and comparative approach, responses from students in Social Sciences and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Technical Areas, and Exact Sciences were analysed regarding ChatGPT’s utility in three key skills: communication, idea generation, and information synthesis. Results show significant variations in the perceived usefulness of ChatGPT across disciplines. Students in Social Sciences and Humanities highly value ChatGPT for organising and expressing ideas, while Natural Sciences students find it more useful for synthesising complex information. Conversely, students in technical and exact areas perceive lower utility, likely due to the specific precision and technical demands of their fields. This study contributes to the literature on artificial intelligence (AI) in education by emphasising the need for an adaptive approach to AI implementation to maximise its effectiveness. Implications for higher education and recommendations for responsible, tailored integration of AI to enhance academic skills are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Frederic Marimon, Universidad Internacional de Cataluña

Frederic Marimon holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration and is a tenured professor at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. He received a degree in Industrial Engineering from Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona, and earned a Master in Business and Administration from IESE in Barcelona. He is focused on operations management and in service companies. His research is mainly in quality management, e-quality measurement, particularly in services. He is also paying attention to the sharing economy business models, and how quality in this setting drives engagement, satisfaction and loyalty. He published several articles in international academic journals, most of which are in the quality management area. At the same time is involved in several international projects devoted to quality management. Currently interested in the impact of Generative AI on employee’s motivation and performance.

César Javier Coria-Augusto, Universidad Católica de Cuyo

César Javier Coria Augusto holds a degree in International Trade from the Catholic University of Cuyo (UCCuyo). He serves as Director of the Technological Linkage Unit and Research Coordinator at the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences at UCCuyo. With extensive experience in territorial development and sustainability, he has led impactful regional and international projects. Coria has worked as a consultant on sustainability and competitiveness initiatives in San Juan and has multiple publications in academic journals. He is a lecturer and co-director of research projects focused on strengthening export capacity and sustainability in both university and business settings.

Claudio Marcelo Larrea Arnau, Catholic University of Cuyo

Claudio Marcelo Larrea Arnau, Ph.D. in Social Sciences and Education and Master in Immunology, brings extensive expertise in academic administration, teaching, and research. He is currently the Research Secretary at the Catholic University of Cuyo (UCCuyo), having previously served as Rector (2015-2023) and Dean of the Faculty of Food Sciences, Biochemistry, and Pharmaceuticals (2007-2015). He lectures in Immunology across medical programs and teaches Knowledge Management in a master’s program. A member of the Argentine Society of Artificial Intelligence and international evaluator for EQUAA, he directs AI-driven research and data analysis projects. Additionally, he is a biochemist at Dr. Guillermo Rawson Hospital, focusing on medical education and AI applications.

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Published
2025-10-24
How to Cite
Marimon , F., Arias-Valle , M. B., Coria-Augusto , C. J., Larrea Arnau , C. M., & Amarfil Echegaray , H. M. (2025). The role of ChatGPT in the development of academic skills according to study areas. Research in Learning Technology, 33. https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v33.3428
Issue
Vol. 33 (2025)
Section
Original Research Articles
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