Advancing Students’ Academic Excellence in Distance Education: Exploring the Potential of Generative AI Integration to Improve Academic Writing Skills

This qualitative study explores the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the academic writing skills of a large student cohort within the context of a distance learning institution. Utilising qualitative methods, the research explores diverse approaches and applications of generative AI to elevate teaching and learning experiences. Grounded in socio-cultural theory and a human-AI collaboration framework, the study highlights the synergistic interplay between human intelligence and generative AI capabilities. Email interviews with lecturers, focus group discussions with students, and informal discussions with markers on a WhatsApp group helped researchers to (1) understand lecturers' perceptions of generative AI integration in the Academic Writing module, (2) explore students' perspectives on the potential of generative AI as a guide in the Academic Writing module, and (3) examine the potential of generative AI on students' motivation to enhance their academic writing skills. Findings from the study reveal that the potential of generative AI has a positive impact on teaching and learning experiences, providing innovative opportunities for academics. This research contributes to the discourse on the intersection of generative AI and education, reiterating the innovative potential of generative AI in redefining pedagogical strategies and shaping the future of distance learning.