# The Evolving Usage of GenAI by Computing Students

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.16453 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.16453/

## Key facts

- Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 5 of its 6 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 21 Dec 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [The Robots are Here: Navigating the Generative AI Revolution in Computing Education](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.00658/) (2023)
- [The Widening Gap: The Benefits and Harms of Generative AI for Novice Programmers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.17739/) (2024)
- [The Effects of Generative AI on Computing Students' Help-Seeking Preferences](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.02262/) (2024)
- [Insights from Social Shaping Theory: The Appropriation of Large Language Models in an Undergraduate Programming Course](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.06451/) (2024)
- [Early Adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Computing Education: Emergent Student Use Cases and Perspectives in 2023](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.11166/) (2024)

## Built on by (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- ["Bespoke Bots": Diverse Instructor Needs for Customizing Generative AI Classroom Chatbots](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.00057/) (2026)
- ["All Roads Lead to ChatGPT": How Generative AI is Eroding Social Interactions and Student Learning Communities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.09779/) (2025)
- [Confidence Calibration in Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.23909/) (2026)
- [To Tab or Not to Tab: Measuring Critical Engagement in AI Code Completion Tools Using Behavioral Signals and Attention Checks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.30549/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Help-seeking is a critical aspect of learning and problem-solving for computing students. Recent research has shown that many students are aware of generative AI (GenAI) tools; however, there are gaps in the extent and effectiveness of how students use them. With over two years of widespread GenAI usage, it is crucial to understand whether students' help-seeking behaviors with these tools have evolved and how. This paper presents findings from a repeated cross-sectional survey conducted among computing students across North American universities (n=95). Our results indicate shifts in GenAI usage patterns. In 2023, 34.1% of students (n=47) reported never using ChatGPT for help, ranking it fourth after online searches, peer support, and class forums. By 2024, this figure dropped sharply to 6.3% (n=48), with ChatGPT nearly matching online search as the most commonly used help resource. Despite this growing prevalence, there has been a decline in students' hourly and daily usage of GenAI tools, which may be attributed to a common tendency to underestimate usage frequency. These findings offer new insights into the evolving role of GenAI in computing education, highlighting its increasing acceptance and solidifying its position as a key help resource.