Generative AI (GenAI) became a global sensation in late 2022 with the release of ChatGPT. In higher education, it quickly demonstrated its potential to enhance learning, from helping students summarize materials to assisting teachers in class preparation and grading. GenAI, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot, can also create new content across various formats such as text, images, video, and sound. Additionally, AI technologies that analyze large datasets (“big data”) are expected to play a significant role in addressing long-standing educational challenges like student dropouts and curriculum development.
Despite its benefits, there is a need to guard against misuse of GenAI while leveraging its potential to improve education. Regulatory efforts, such as guidelines from the European Union and international organizations (OECD, UNESCO), emphasize ethical AI usage, transparency, data privacy, and maintaining human agency in education.
This report examines the impact of GenAI on three main areas: educators, students, and higher education institutions. It addresses the opportunities and risks GenAI presents, noting challenges such as plagiarism and academic integrity. Key questions are raised regarding the role of educators, the future of assessments, the introduction of AI literacy, and how to promote ethical use of AI in education.
While the future of GenAI is unpredictable, this report offers insights into current issues, core values, and possible recommendations to guide its responsible use in higher education.