The State of Generative AI Adoption in Higher Education - Administrative Efficiency Over Pedagogical Transformation?

Wolters, A.; Kipping, G.; Wass, S.; Gau, M.; Riehle, D. M.; Chandra Kruse, L.

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) systems as part of digital transformation initiatives. Extant research establishes the considerable pedagogical potentials GenAI offers to HEIs. However, a market review of approximately 300 GenAI systems used across HEIs in Europe reveals that most of the systems are not targeting meaningful pedagogical purposes. Rather, the majority are information search chatbots providing information to prospective and current students. In this TREO forum paper, we argue that there is a significant gap between what GenAI systems could offer for teaching and learning and what they are currently used for in HEIs. We provide explanations grounded in the literature and call for the development of GenAI systems that deliver meaningful value to teaching and learning practices in HEIs.