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AI is revolutionizing university teaching: opportunities, risks and solutions!
The University of Potsdam is promoting AI in teaching with the digital service GPT.UP and is planning comprehensive training initiatives in 2025.
AI is revolutionizing university teaching: opportunities, risks and solutions!
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the education sector is gaining momentum. At the University of Potsdam, GPT.UP an innovative digital service was developed. The chatbot, which is based on various AI language models, aims to support university members in exploring AI and in routine activities. The special feature: Users can choose from a variety of language models and benefit from a high data protection standard, as no personal data is passed on to the manufacturers.
GPT.UP is expected to launch at the end of 2024 and will be made available not only for the University of Potsdam, but also for the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and the Babelsberg Film University. Another feature of the system is the integration of AI-controlled tools that help teachers design events and optimize interaction with students.
Potentials and challenges of AI in university teaching
Artificial intelligence offers the potential to revolutionize learning processes. According to an article from the Technical University of Berlin Generative AI could serve as support in planning courses and exams. Lecturers from all disciplines are called upon to address the opportunities and risks associated with the use of AI.
The functionality of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is becoming increasingly accessible. These AI models can generate text and create connections, but the challenge remains to formulate precise inputs (prompts) in order to achieve high-quality results. At the same time, experts see the risk of a possible loss of skills (deskilling) due to dependence on AI tools.
Legal and ethical issues
The use of AI in higher education also brings with it numerous legal and ethical challenges. Data protection remains a key issue, as algorithmic biases and fears that AI could replace teachers are also discussed. The knowledge highlights the need to develop an understanding of the potential and limitations of AI while following ethical guidelines.
The risks are that the unregulated use of AI could increase existing inequalities in the education system. Responsible use is essential to prioritize data protection and security and to strengthen the digital competence of teachers and students.
The University of Potsdam is documenting its progress in a position paper on “AI in university teaching,” which is scheduled to be published in early 2025. The institution is thus positioning itself at the forefront of developments in AI-supported higher education and plans to act as a technical node for cross-university IT services in Brandenburg.
Overall, the development of GPT.UP shows the promising possibilities that AI offers in higher education and beyond. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to combine technological progress with a responsible and critical approach.