Research Article

Portuguese secondary school students’ perceptions regarding the use of ChatGPT

Ana Callado 1 , Isabel Saúde 2 , José Luís Araújo 3 *
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1 Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, PORTUGAL2 CIQUP, IMS, Science Teaching Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, PORTUGAL3 CIDTFF, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, PORTUGAL* Corresponding Author
Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(4), October 2025, ep610, https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17516
Published: 05 December 2025
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ABSTRACT

The rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in contemporary society calls for a rethinking of education. This study investigates Portuguese secondary students’ perceptions of chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) in education. In 2024, we surveyed 114 students (aged 16-17) from one school in 2024 using a 15-item questionnaire (closed- and open-ended items) covering five dimensions: (1) knowledge of AI and ChatGPT; (2) use of ChatGPT; (3) perceived accuracy of ChatGPT-generated outputs; (4) the potential of ChatGPT for teaching; and (5) ethics and academic integrity. Responses to closed-ended items were analyzed descriptively and open-ended responses underwent content analysis. The results indicate that, although most students are familiar with AI and ChatGPT, their demonstrated knowledge is largely utilitarian and superficial. Students predominantly use ChatGPT for schoolwork and attribute high reliability to its outputs, often without the necessary critical evaluation. We also identified weaknesses in their ethical understanding, particularly regarding academic integrity and plagiarism. We argue for critical AI literacy and teacher professional development to support pedagogically grounded and ethical integration of GenAI. Education for the ethical and responsible use of these technologies proves essential to prepare young people for future challenges.
Keywords: ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence, students’ perceptions, secondary education

CITATION (APA)

Callado, A., Saúde, I., & Araújo, J. L. (2025). Portuguese secondary school students’ perceptions regarding the use of ChatGPT. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(4), ep610. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17516

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