AI in studies: opportunity instead of stress

At the end of the semester, it's exam time and submission stress for students. Numerous AI tools are available free of charge and are designed to make work easier. Whether researching, structuring or revising texts: Applications such as ChatGPT are changing learning and academic work. However, many people wonder whether the use of these AI tools is permitted at all or how to use them effectively. "The new technology is associated with uncertainty and often filled with myths. The FHV therefore teaches future-oriented skills and offers easily accessible formats that give students guidance. Our lecturers also deal with the topic of how generative AI can be used responsibly in research and thus create a direct transfer to teaching," says FHV Rector Regine Kadgien, providing an insight.

Clear guidelines

Clear guidelines take the pressure off, especially during the exam period. "We are creating a learning culture in which AI is neither a taboo nor a shortcut, but a tool. Reflection, personal responsibility and fairness are important here," says Claudia Franceschini, Writing Center Coordinator at the FHV Library and lecturer. She teaches students the basics of good research work in the subject of academic writing. "AI is rapidly driving the digital transformation. Our task is not only to empower students technically, but also to give them critical thinking and media and information skills," emphasizes Franceschini. "Students should know what is permitted and how they can use AI sensibly and efficiently." Specifically, the FHV supports students, lecturers and researchers with AI labs and workshops that impart knowledge. "We discuss opportunities and limitations and collect best practices," Franceschini provides an insight. An internal campus platform on "AI and academic work" with the library team provides data protection information and tips for prompts. Personal advice and writing evenings make it possible to clarify individual questions. From source citations to transparency requirements.

Checklist for AI application

Florian Buehler, lecturer in the Department of Business and Management at the FHV, is researching how generative AI can be used responsibly. Generative AI is a form of AI that can generate new content instead of just analyzing or classifying existing data. Together with international colleagues, the expert recently published a scientific article in the international journal "AI and Ethics" in which eight core principles for its use were defined. "We have defined a practice-oriented checklist for research, teaching and theses and created clear rules of the game. By disclosing where and how AI is used in the scientific process, we strengthen trust in results, in science and in students' abilities," emphasizes Buehler. In addition to quality control and transparency, the checklist also includes data security or originality as well as ethical standards in dealing with AI. Students at the FHV benefit not only from clear guidelines regarding the use of AI in their everyday studies, but also from best practice, AI labs, digital platforms and personal advice. This ensures fairness and equal opportunities. "We teach them future skills such as the ability to reflect, work transparently and think critically. The FHV accompanies students and lecturers into a future in which technology and education go hand in hand," concludes FHV Rector Kadgien.

Publication Florian Buehler et al. (2025)