Using Generative AI in Higher Education: A Guide for Instructors

Journal of Information Systems Education, vol. 36, pp. 237–256

Abstract

The rapid advancement of generative AI (GenAI) systems such as ChatGPT raises questions about their potential impact on higher education.This article provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities, limits, and risks of using GenAI in higher education.Drawing on our experience in information systems, computer science, management, and sociology, we examine the concrete application possibilities of ChatGPT and other GenAIs in the daily activities of higher education, such as teaching courses, learning for an exam, writing seminar papers and theses, and assessing students' learning outcomes and performance.By offering clear guidelines and actionable recommendations, this article serves as a practical guide for instructors, helping them to use GenAI efficiently and responsibly in their teaching practices.To further highlight the practical relevance of our recommendations, we evaluate their applicability from the perspective of instructors.Finally, we stress the need for further interdisciplinary research and collaboration to gain a deeper understanding of these technologies' transformative potential in education.

Authors 12

1. Henner Gimpel

   University of Hohenheim

   Affiliation as printed

   Digital Management University of Hohenheim Stuttgart , Germany

2. Stefan Decker Aachen Chair of Information Systems and Databases

   Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Information Systems and Databases , Fraunhofer FIT RWTH Aachen University Sankt Augustin , Germany

3. Torsten Eymann

   University of Bayreuth

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair for Business & Information Systems Engineering University of Bayreuth Bayreuth , Germany

4. Niklas Gutheil

   University of Bayreuth

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair for Business & Information Systems Engineering University of Bayreuth Bayreuth , Germany

5. Luis Lämmermann

   University of Bayreuth

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair for Business & Information Systems Engineering University of Bayreuth Bayreuth , Germany

6. Niklas Braig

   University of Bayreuth

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Bayreuth Bayreuth , Germany

7. Alexander Maedche

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Information Systems Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe , Germany

8. Maximilian Röglinger

   Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology · University of Bayreuth

   Affiliation as printed

   FIM Research Center for Information Management , Fraunhofer FIT University of Bayreuth Bayreuth , Germany

9. Caroline Ruiner

   University of Hohenheim

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Sociology University of Hohenheim Stuttgart , Germany

10. Mareike Schoop

    University of Hohenheim

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Intelligent Information Systems University of Hohenheim Stuttgart , Germany

11. Nils Urbach

    Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

    Affiliation as printed

    Research Lab for Digital Innovation & Transformation Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt , Germany

12. Steffen Vandirk

    University of Bayreuth

    Affiliation as printed

    University of Bayreuth Bayreuth , Germany