AI-based systems for teaching and learning

Technological tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) processes are able to imitate human intelligence and solve complex tasks. They are created to work using different levels of autonomy. Generative AI such as ChatGPT is a specific subgroup, which attempts to create new content based on the patterns and structures of existing data and generates results such as texts, images, or music.

We see the development of AI-powered technology as a way to advance all areas of the university (teaching and learning, research and transfer, and administration). We see them as tools that can be used within a legally secured framework to optimize processes. We want to play an active role in shaping this. Although AI-based systems are considered to have great potential, we must carefully consider whether and how they should be used. It is crucial that we identify and prevent any risks – ethical, data protection, security, environmental, or social – and find and develop appropriate strategies for effective, efficient, and transparent use.

All usage scenarios must therefore be disclosed and agreements made about how we deal with these. This includes considering the legal framework, for example through the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU AI Act as well as copyright laws.

As a first step, we provide university-wide recommendations for the use of AI-based systems in teaching and learning in order to create a reliable and transparent framework for teachers and students that takes legal requirements into account. The University of Bremen sees the opportunities and possibilities, as well as the risks. As part of their studies at our university, students should learn a critical and reflective approach towards AI and develop an attitude that integrates both the potentials for success as a student and in the professional world.

Competence-oriented teaching takes place at the University of Bremen in a variety of teaching and learning scenarios. Should AI-based systems be used for these, students need to be informed about the functions, limitations, and risks of the tools in order to make both the potential benefits as well as problems visible and to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Inequalities due to differing levels of prior knowledge and willingness to use AI-based systems must be taken into account in establishing learning objectives, and must be considered, evaluated, and handled sensibly.

This also includes professional and methodological reflection and the application of the principles of good scientific practice to the use of AI-based systems in teaching and learning. This competence in the critically reflective use of AI-based systems will become a cross-cutting issue in all subjects and degree programs.

Challenges in learning and teaching can currently be identified above all for examinations. This involves the use of AI-based systems in submitted work, both by students (e.g. automatically generated texts, images or music) and by teachers (e.g. automated assessment of assignments).

At the same time, additional opportunities arise for teaching and learning scenarios, for example

learner-oriented individualization of learning material, automated feedback, facilitation of collaboration between learners and
teacher-oriented automation of tasks, progress reports, support with course planning and assistance with research processes.

The specification and design, optional use or non-use in teaching is the responsibility of the faculties, degree programs and lecturers.

NEWS - April 2, 2024

On the forms page of the central examination office (ZPA) new documents with supplemental explanations on the use of AI have been released.

Written examination - Declaration of independent work and delcaration of consent for checking with plagiarism software
Copyright declaration, declaration on the publication of BA/MA theses, declaration on electronic checking for plagiarism
Beispielhafte Dokumentation der Nutzung von KI in der Lehre (currently in German only).

The Center for Multimedia in Teaching supports the use of AI in teaching. Further information can be found on their website.

Elements of AI

AI-Campus: The learning platform for artificial intelligence

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence I

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