AI in the Classroom: Observing Preclinical Students' Use of ChatGPT During Case-Based Learning at a UK Medical School.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This article explores how preclinical students in a UK medical school utilise ChatGPT during their case-based learning (CBL) curriculum.

Materials and methods

Focused ethnography was used to study 42 medical students and three clinical sciences students as they undertook seven CBL sessions over 4 weeks. In situ observations, screenshots of ChatGPT conversations and focus group data were collected and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

ChatGPT was used to automate concept retrieval, problem-solving and applying theory to clinical context. This occurred because students were motivated by the efficient completion of workbook questions, which could be achieved by entering them into ChatGPT. Collaborative groups were less likely to automate cogn

SUBMITTER: Taylor AWR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904756 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature