Across higher education, chemistry instructors are navigating a new challenge: students turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to shortcut homework and problem sets. While AI can support learning when used responsibly, many educators worry that overreliance undermines conceptual understanding, confidence, and long-term retention.
To better understand how students are navigating this landscape, we surveyed 1,950 students who used Aktiv Chemistry in the Fall 2025 semester. Their responses tell a clear story: when learning is interactive, scaffolded, and feedback-driven, students stay engaged—and are far less tempted to outsource their thinking to AI tools.
Squash student temptations to use AI in chemistry
One of the most striking findings from the survey: 85 percent of students said Aktiv Chemistry reduced their temptation to use AI to complete assignments. Instead of using AI to desperately search for answers, Aktiv provides real-time guidance that students need to finish the work themselves.
Respondents consistently pointed to four core aspects of Aktiv that helped keep learning authentic and focused:
- Scaffolded, interactive questions that coach students step by step
- Personalized learning paths that close individual knowledge gaps
- Instant feedback that helps students learn from mistakes in real time
- Extensive practice problems that go beyond a single homework attempt
With Aktiv, there’s less copying answers from AI chatbots. Students are now guided through the process of solving chemistry problems—building understanding along the way.
As one student shared:
“I never felt like I had to use AI to finish assignments or to further understand the concepts I was assigned to practice.” —Student at Tennessee Technological University
By making thinking visible and progress measurable, Aktiv helps students stay engaged in learning—without taking shortcuts.
From confusion to confidence in chemistry
Avoiding AI shortcuts is only part of the story. The survey also revealed a powerful impact on student confidence and engagement. Ninety-five (95) percent of students said Aktiv increased their confidence in understanding chemistry concepts. What’s more, 93 percent of respondents believe Aktiv helped to improve their grades.
Students repeatedly highlighted how Aktiv helps them move from memorization to application:
“Really helps me understand what I learned in class and helps me apply it to real problems,” said a student at Grand Valley State University.
“It really did help me so much, especially the practice problems and homework. I can 100% say with confidence that the reason my exam scores are high is because of Aktiv,” shared a student at Augusta University.
Interactive question types play a major role in this confidence boost. Students agreed that Aktiv’s tools helped them learn core chemistry skills, including:
- Lewis structures (94 percent)
- Chemical equations (94 percent)
- Organic chemistry molecular drawing (88 percent)
These question types require students to actively construct, visualize and apply concepts—skills that are difficult to shortcut with AI and essential for exam success.
Where mobile-friendly practice meets immediate feedback
Students were also clear about what they value most in Aktiv: multiple opportunities to practice their understanding paired with immediate, actionable feedback. Around 43 percent of students rated Aktiv’s extensive practice problems as the biggest reason why they enjoyed using the app. More than one-third of students cited Aktiv’s instant feedback and in-depth explanations as one of the items they enjoyed most about the platform.
The ability to practice frequently—and learn from mistakes right away—helps students strengthen retrieval skills and deepen understanding over time. Just as importantly, students value being able to complete their work from anywhere. Aktiv’s mobile app enables students to complete homework, review problems and get targeted feedback during small pockets of time throughout the day—whether they’re commuting to class, studying in between lectures or reviewing in class.
One Drexel University student described the impact clearly:
“Using the Aktiv mobile app was honestly one of the biggest contributors to my success in Chem 101. Being able to work through chemistry problems directly on my tablet made the course so much more manageable and less intimidating. I loved that I could practice anywhere…the instant feedback was a game-changer.”
By combining flexible access with meaningful practice and feedback, Aktiv Chemistry empowers students to do the work themselves—building skills, confidence, and understanding that last far beyond a single assignment.
Ready to see how Aktiv can impact your course—and your students?
Learn more about the features, see a live demo, and get a free instructor playground account with access to the content library.
