Potential of artificial intelligence for higher education teaching – An analysis of strategy papers

This paper explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for teaching and learning in higher education and identifies which teaching-learning processes can be effectively supported by AI systems. Numerous strategy papers on AI drawn from the past years in the German-speaking region, EU institutions and international organisations (e.g. UNESCO, OECD) were collected and analysed. To systematically capture and evaluate the potential of AI, the model of the five system levels of the higher education learning environment (macro, exo, micro and individual levels) was used. This model enables a structured consideration of the various areas of influence and levels on which AI can impact higher education teaching. A special focus was placed on the micro level, which is directly related to the teaching and learning processes. Finally, concrete recommendations for teachers and students are presented, including the targeted integration of AI-supported tools such as ChatGPT into teaching, the adaptation of examination formats and assessment criteria, the promotion of critical and structured thinking and compliance with ethical guidelines when dealing with AI.