14 My new friend
Asa Ismia Bunga Aisyahrani, Postgraduate Student, Childhood Studies, United Kingdom
Initially, I was sceptical about emerging tools such as GenAI, SPSS, or NVivo. I felt overly anxious that the tools would be difficult to operate or that I might lack the competence to utilise them. But my father once told me that humans invent tools to simplify life rather than complicate it, not only in education, but across other facets of life. We can now fly across continents in hours, thanks to technology. That perspective helped me shift my mindset. I have come to embrace GenAI as a companion in my personal, academic, and professional life. Whether I need information, objective advice, a little encouragement, or a second opinion on my ideas, it is there. It helps me spot my mistakes, refine my thoughts, and even spark new inspiration—always with my own rationale and reliable sources guiding the final outcome, of course. I now see GenAI and other tools as partners in learning and growth.
As social beings, we all need conversations to gain insights, exchange ideas, or simply seek affirmations (Fields, 2002). I love that GenAI offers a conversational mode in its interface, which creates a sense of talking to another person. I usually use it to spark initial ideas, which I then develop further. It helps me see many ideas or possible options, which I could combine, adjust, or tailor to suit my needs. I also employ GenAI as an assistive tool for checking my grammar, particularly since English is not my first language. I think this tool fosters equality in learning, enabling non-native speakers to write correctly without grammatical errors and demonstrating that language barriers do not hold us back. Another feature I often use is comparing word choices, especially for academic writing. Whether I am unsure between two terms or want to ensure the tone is appropriate, GenAI helps me make more informed decisions.
I think this tool fosters equality in learning, enabling non-native speakers to write correctly without grammatical errors and demonstrating that language barriers do not hold us back.
I have always enjoyed exploring knowledge, whether it is major concepts or simple facts from daily life. GenAI has been incredibly helpful in this journey. It can simplify complex information and present it in a way that is straightforward to understand, which makes learning feel less exhausting compared to reading long, formal academic texts that can sometimes be pretty heavy to follow. With GenAI, I can explore a wide range of topics in a relatively short time. I understand that the information it provides might not always be fully accurate or relevant, but I see it as a helpful starting point. It encourages me to dig deeper and refer to more trusted sources afterwards. I truly believe that learning does not only happen in classrooms or formal institutions. GenAI has opened up a new, comfortable way for me to learn anywhere and anytime. When I get stuck on a difficult term, I can simply ask for a clearer explanation, and it feels rewarding!
