AI Tools Shape Interns' Work in the Philippines

As artificial intelligence tools become more common in classrooms, a new study shows they are also making their way into the real-world training of student interns in the Philippines. Research from Pampanga State University and the University of the East examined how 384 undergraduate interns use AI during their on-the-job training (OJT), a required part of many college programs that helps students apply academic knowledge to workplace tasks. reveal that AI is not just an academic aid but a practical tool for handling everyday work assignments, from writing reports to drafting emails, with for how future professionals are prepared for careers.

The study found that ChatGPT is the most widely used AI tool among student interns, with 48% of respondents reporting its use, followed by Quillbot at 16.9%, Canva AI at 15.2%, and Grammarly at 10.5%. Most interns relied on free versions of these tools, and 45.3% used them one to two times per week, indicating a moderate but consistent integration into their work routines. The data, collected through a structured questionnaire, shows that AI tools are primarily employed for productivity tasks such as fixing grammar or sentence structure, searching for sample answers or examples, and understanding work instructions, with mean usage scores around 2.8 on a 5-point scale during OJT hours.

To understand how interns apply AI, the researchers used a descriptive-exploratory design with purposive sampling, focusing on students who had experience using intelligent tools during their OJT. They administered an online questionnaire that covered tool usage behavior, task-based applications rated on a Likert scale, and perceptions of effects like confidence and ethics. Factor analysis of the task-based items identified four main purposes for AI use: general productivity and report writing, communication and content drafting, technical assistance and code support, and autonomous task execution. This ology allowed the team to categorize how AI supports different aspects of internship work, from routine editing to more independent problem-solving.

Indicate that student interns feel moderately confident in using AI tools, with a mean score of 3.81 out of 5, and they agree that AI helps them complete tasks more quickly and correctly, scoring 3.76. However, they also show ethical awareness, moderately agreeing that they avoid using AI when tasks require independent effort, with a mean of 3.14. Supervisors generally did not restrict AI use, as reflected in a mean score of 3.60, and interns reported using tools selectively, with a mean of 3.42 for using AI only when necessary. These patterns suggest that while AI enhances efficiency, as noted in the paper's discussion of studies showing AI can improve productivity, there are concerns about potential impacts on skill development if over-relied upon.

The practical of this research are significant for higher education and workplace training in the Philippines. AI tools are becoming part of the skill-building process for interns, particularly in developing communication, problem-solving, and technical abilities, and they allow interns to focus on more complex duties by handling routine tasks. The study recommends that institutions integrate AI literacy and onboarding programs into OJT, with clear policies to guide ethical use and encourage independent thinking. For example, in local contexts like provincial government offices or hospitality settings, interns might use AI to draft reports or prepare itineraries, but they need training to adapt outputs to specific workplace needs.

Despite these insights, the study has limitations that highlight areas for future research. It primarily describes usage patterns without deeply examining how AI affects learning outcomes, skill development, or workplace readiness, as noted in the conclusion. The sample of 384 interns, while substantial, may not fully represent all industries or regions in the Philippines, and the reliance on self-reported data could introduce bias. The paper calls for further investigation using statistical s to explore links between AI use and performance, as well as qualitative studies with interns and supervisors to understand decision-making around AI. These steps are needed to build a clearer understanding of AI's role in workplace learning and to develop targeted policies for OJT programs.