REFLECTION ON THE SUBJECT:
Throughout this semester, my experience as a BCM212 student has been a rollercoaster ride. There were moments of excitement when I received notifications about new survey completions, enjoyed the many engaging group discussions, and developed a genuine passion for the topic I chose. However, there were also days filled with frustrating writer’s block, challenges in data interpretation, and the constant effort to recruit more participants.
Looking back on this subject, one thing that has remained consistently valuable is the knowledge and skills I gained in research practice. Despite the challenges I encountered, I am confident that the insights I acquired about research will have a lasting impact on my future studies, career, and overall understanding of why research is conducted.
The process of conducting my own research project has been an invaluable learning experience. It has provided me with hands-on exposure to various research methods, data collection techniques, and the importance of ethical considerations in research. From developing a research question to designing a survey, I have gained practical skills that I can apply in future academic (and potentially career-based) endeavours.
Moreover, the struggles I faced along the way have taught me important lessons about perseverance and problem-solving. BCM212 has also deepened my understanding of the broader research landscape. I have come to appreciate the significance of research in advancing knowledge, informing decision-making, and driving innovation. It has reinforced the importance of evidence-based practices and the need for rigorous research in various fields.
REFLECTION ON MY RESEARCH TOPIC:
“Has the emergence of AI technologies impacted the career ambitions and anxieties of BCM students?”
Reflecting upon my research topic and its results, one thing that really stood out was how AI has become a big part of students’ educational experience in such a short amount of time. If I were to think back to Semester 2 of last year, I can’t recall any mention of AI technologies, especially in an academic context. The impact and significance of AI on the lives of students seemed relatively unknown at that time. Yet, fast forward to the present, and AI technologies have become such an integral part of various aspects of our lives, including education and career prospects. It’s both exciting and a little unsettling- hence why I became so invested in my research topic as it is both incredibly timely and relevant – especially to BCM students.
Based on survey answers, I was interested to see how many participants were eager to embrace the future of AI and were excited by its potential to open up new opportunities. Based on my personal views, as well as prior conversations with peers, I was not expecting this result as I was under the impression most students shared a general concern regarding the threat of AI impacting the job market in creative industries.
Another interesting discovery was the differing perspectives among students from different majors. Marketing Communication and Advertising students, in particular, were less likely to experience AI anxiety compared to majors such as Visual Communication Design. This discovery holds significant implications for institutions when designing subject curriculums and establishing support systems tailored to the specific needs of these students.
Now, it’s important to keep in mind that every study has its limitations. My sample size was decent, but it’s still a small group of BCM212 students. So, we should be careful about making sweeping generalisations based on these findings.
Looking back, this research project can offer some valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between AI perceptions and career ambitions among BCM212 students. In a nutshell, my research has highlighted the importance of ongoing discussions and proactive measures to support students and prepare them for the changing environment of AI as a means of reducing anxieties.