Unlike just a few years ago, today it is probably no longer necessary to explain to anyone that artificial intelligence poses a major challenge for research and teaching. Goethe University recognized the signs of the times early on, says Daniel Rütten, a research assistant on the subject of writing with AI and e-learning at Goethe University’s Writing Center [Schreibzentrum], which has already been investigating how ChatGPT affects writing processes for quite some time. Julia Schmitt, a research assistant in studiumdigitale, adds: “Since the Generative AI working group was set up by then-Vice President Christine Thompson, we’ve achieved a lot. Despite the huge developments in the field of AI, our handouts for teaching staff and students are up-to-date and absolutely recommendable reading – although we often find that not everyone in the university community knows about them.”
But, as Schmitt explains, the discussion about AI, its dangers and potentials has also moved on. While the focus initially lay on whether students were using AI tools to cheat, the debate has now calmed somewhat and become more differentiated. The question of whether and for what students will use AI is no longer the only one, with people now also asking about the teaching staff. Rütten adds: “The Writing Center conducted a survey about students’ use of AI in their academic work at a very early stage. It found that students were already making broad use of ChatGPT and similar systems, but in a largely reflected manner and with an awareness of AI’s limitations. They paid much less attention, the poll showed, to matters like data protection and ethical aspects.” The majority of users do indeed want to take responsibility for their own texts, which means they use tools like ChatGPT primarily to obtain ideas, and not to generate an entire text without doing the work themselves. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2023; – since then the number of AI users has likely increased significantly, says Julia Schmitt. A new survey is planned for the near future.
“It was evident in many of the conversations that the students want more intensive discussion about AI,” Julia Schmitt reports. A Barcamp was identified as a suitable format. There was keen interest, and in October 2024, more than 100 participants gathered for Goethe University’s first Barcamp. Julia Schmitt emphasizes that it was students and teaching staff who discussed AI. “The students were very active contributors to the Barcamp, offering workshops and engaging in discussions with teaching staff. One result of the Barcamp for both groups was that this exchange format involving both teachers and students – and requiring a critical look at the topic – should be continued.”
To put the current discussion in a nutshell: how is academic practice changing generally due to AI; and in the light of this, how can and must teaching (and degree programs) be designed in the future? The next step is to establish a new community with a discussion platform. “A community of practice, whose participants have an interest in teaching and studying. Specific questions can also be put up for discussion.” What that platform will be like is something the users themselves should decide, and Julia Schmitt says the Generative AI working group is deliberately taking a backseat. Registration for the community has already started.
Further information
Community of Practice →
Courses and advice →
General recommendations and handouts →
Writing Center →
