“Digital Centaur”: Human-AI Collaborative Learning in Universities
https://doi.org/10.31992/0869-3617-2025-34-10-47-62
Abstract
The article examines the formation of interaction practices between Russian university students and generative artificial intelligence in the educational process through the lens of the “digital centaur” concept – a symbiotic alliance between human and machine. The authors analyze how students who actively use AI and do not consider it academic misconduct develop new social practices of cooperation with technology when writing academic and scientific papers.
Based on 15 in-depth interviews with students, key interaction patterns were identified: using AI as a trusted interlocutor to overcome “writers block”, strategic delegation of routine tasks while preserving creative functions for humans, formation of new authorship rhetoric with the principle of asymmetric participant contribution. The study captures the emergence of horizontal micro- networks for resource and life-hack exchange, transformation of relationships with antiplagiarism systems, and changes in the teacher’s role from controller to curator.
The results demonstrate a transitional phase of AI literacy institutionalization in higher education. The authors invite discussion on creating transparent authorship and assessment rules capable of ensuring honest and effective human-artificial intelligence partnership in the univer- sity environment.
About the Authors
D. I. Zemtsov
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dmitry I. Zemtsov – Cand. Sci. (Philosophy), Vice-Rector, Research Associate
11 Pokrovsky blvd., Moscow, 109028
I. A. Gruzdev
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ivan A. Gruzdev – Director for Internal Monitoring and Student Academic Development
11 Pokrovsky blvd., Moscow, 109028
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