Using Generative AI in Higher Education: A Guide for Instructors

Authors

Henner Gimpel, University of HohenheimFollow
Kristina Hall, University of BayreuthFollow
Stefan Decker, RWTH Aachen UniversityFollow
Torsten Eymann, University of BayreuthFollow
Niklas Gutheil, University of BayreuthFollow
Luis Lämmermann, University of BayreuthFollow
Niklas Braig, University of BayreuthFollow
Alexander Maedche, Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyFollow
Maximilian Röglinger, University of BayreuthFollow
Caroline Ruiner, University of HohenheimFollow
Manfred Schoch, University of Applied Sciences EsslingenFollow
Mareike Schoop, University of HohenheimFollow
Nils Urbach, Frankfurt University of Applied SciencesFollow
Steffen Vandirk, University of BayreuthFollow

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.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62273/QLLG7172

Recommended Citation

Gimpel, Henner; Hall, Kristina; Decker, Stefan; Eymann, Torsten; Gutheil, Niklas; Lämmermann, Luis; Braig, Niklas; Maedche, Alexander; Röglinger, Maximilian; Ruiner, Caroline; Schoch, Manfred; Schoop, Mareike; Urbach, Nils; and Vandirk, Steffen (2025) "Using Generative AI in Higher Education: A Guide for Instructors," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 36 : Iss. 3 , 237-256.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62273/QLLG7172
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol36/iss3/3