Art education in the age of AI: Exploring ethical practices and pedagogical approaches in Chinese

This study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in visual arts education among Chinese students, focusing on the influences of gender, education level, and university type on students' perceptions and engagement with AI tools. A sample of 112 students from public and private universities participated in the research. The findings reveal significant gender-based differences, with male students favoring AI for developing New Artistic Techniques (NAT) and female students preferring its use for Visualizing Complex Concepts (VCC). Additionally, master's students exhibited a greater propensity to leverage AI for VCC compared to their bachelor counterparts. Public university students demonstrated higher scores in Personalized Learning (PLR), indicating that institutional support plays a crucial role in effective AI integration. Notably, the study found no significant age-based differences in perceptions, challenging assumptions about older students' resistance to technology. Overall, the results underscore the need for tailored educational strategies that address the diverse needs of students and advocate for equitable access to AI resources. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how AI can transform visual arts education, offering insights for future pedagogical approaches and resource allocation in educational institutions.