Developing student proficiency in ChatGPT-driven active recall practices and self-guided inquiry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT offer new opportunities to enhance student learning through active recall and self-directed inquiry. This study aimed to determine student perceptions of a classroom assignment designed to develop proficiency in using ChatGPT for these strategies. First-semester Doctor of Pharmacy students in a foundational sciences course completed an assignment using ChatGPT for active recall. The assignment involved generating quizzes from lecture notes on protein structure and apoptosis, verifying ChatGPT's answers, and engaging in further inquiry. Students completed a Qualtrics survey assessing their perceptions. Nearly 60% of students had no prior ChatGPT experience, and only 21% had used it for previous quizzing purposes. Most (96%) found the instructions for the assignment clear, and 89% reported ChatGPT was easy to use. The majority believed ChatGPT quizzes were as effective as instructor-provided quizzes. All students agreed that verifying ChatGPT's answers with lecture notes was a valuable learning experience. Open-ended responses highlighted the ease of generating additional questions and exploring concepts at higher cognitive levels, though some noted challenges with crafting precise prompts and verifying answers. While many students were new to ChatGPT, the structured assignment improved their comfort with and understanding of the platform's capabilities and limitations when used for active recall and critical inquiry. The integration of AI tools, when guided and purposeful, can enrich traditional learning methods and support student engagement and deeper understanding of biological concepts in pharmacy education.