Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used as a cost-effective assistant to human instructors to generate performance feedback for online learners. This study found that AI-generated feedback had a positive impact on students' writing practice in an online learning space. Underperforming students stated that they wanted AI to further assist them with their content development skills and use of sources. Although most AI feedback was text-based, the students with different learning styles concurred that AI-generated feedback helped improve their writing skills, metacognitive skills, and self-confidence, but not their creativity. Student-driven suggestions reflect their desire for AI assistants to provide meaningful feedback to online learners that is personalized to meet their needs and to help them develop ownership of their learning.