The Student Compass study brought together students from the University of Turku to reflect on the use of artificial intelligence in daily university life, both in studies and teaching. In April, over 80 small-group discussions were held, allowing students to share their views across faculty boundaries. The results of the study will be used to develop the University’s AI guidelines and in democracy research.
Rapidly developing AI has become part of studying and teaching, yet the related concepts, rules, and guidelines may remain unclear and distant for many students. In the Student Compass, students were able to make recommendations to the University regarding the use of AI in university studies. The study was conducted by political science researchers at the University of Turku as part of the ADDI research project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC).
The Student Compass began with participant recruitment in February 2026. The researchers sent invitations to all undergraduate students at the University of Turku, of whom 680 volunteered to participate.
“Overall, the group of volunteers was fairly diverse, although the Faculties of Technology, Science, and Social Sciences were slightly over-represented and the Faculty of Education and Turku School of Economics were under-represented,” explains Maija Setälä, Professor of Political Science and the project’s Principal Investigator.
Of those who registered, 591 students were selected to participate using quota sampling to ensure balanced representation from each faculty. Of those invited, 470 took part in the discussions.
Recommendations capture diverse perspectives across faculties
Participation in the study involved taking part in a two-hour small-group discussion on Zoom and responding to questionnaires. The task in the small-group discussion was to produce three recommendations for the University concerning the use of AI in studies.
“AI has already fundamentally changed the way we learn and process information, whether we like it or not. Taking part in the Student Compass was an excellent opportunity to promote guidance for the responsible yet forward-looking use of AI, says Atte Leskinen, a student of international business who participated in the Student Compass.
The students discussed the topic in facilitated small groups in line with the principles of so-called deliberative democracy. In a deliberative discussion, participants have an equal opportunity to express and justify their own opinions, they hear the views of others, and make decisions based on their discussion. They also receive information on the topic to support their discussion.
In total, 86 small-group discussions were held in early April, each involving students from several faculties. Discussions were conducted in both Finnish and English. Trained facilitators ensured that the discussions proceeded smoothly and equitably.
In some of the groups, the discussion was supported by AI agents created for the Student Compass as well as the University’s AI experts from various faculties, Digital Services, the education sector, and the Library.
“The discussion was an eye-opening experience that brought together a wide range of views. Participants included “AI-native” new students as well as students who had already entered professional life, across faculty boundaries. Although we each approached the issue from our own perspective, with the support of facilitation and the AI tool, we arrived at conclusions that the whole group could stand behind," summarises Leskinen.
Recommendations to be used in the University’s AI policy work and democracy research
The Student Compass discussions generated student perspectives on acceptable uses of AI, learning, and the varying starting points students have when using AI. In their recommendations, students highlighted critical and ethical considerations as well as the potential of AI to support learning.
The researchers will compile the results into a report, which will be submitted to the University administration in May to assist with the preparation of guidelines on artificial intelligence. The report will also be reviewed within the University’s AI working group that is responsible for developing the University’s AI policies.
“The University of Turku is making significant investments in AI development. By hearing students’ views and drawing on the expertise of our own AI specialists, we can enhance our operations and strengthen the University’s position as a forerunner in AI within the higher education sector, says Tapio Salakoski, Vice Rector of the University of Turku.
The results will also be utilised in democracy research. In their scientific publications, the ADDI project’s researchers analyse data from small-group discussions and surveys, focusing, among other things, on how the process influenced participants’ learning and critical thinking, as well as the quality of the discussions and recommendations.
