Guidelines on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching

Responsible Use of Generative AI in Academic Work

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) encourages both instructors and students at Hochschule Bremen to use AI tools in teaching and learning in an open, considered, and above all transparent manner. Ethical, data protection, security, environmental, pedagogical, and social aspects should be carefully taken into account. The following principles of good academic practice play a particularly important role in this context:

• Critical evaluation of results AI systems such as ChatGPT generate content based on probabilities, not on established knowledge. Therefore, all AI-generated content must be critically assessed and used responsibly. Important: Those who use generative AI (GenAI) are responsible for the AI-generated texts they submit or share.

• Honesty and transparency regarding one’s own and third-party contributions When GenAI is used in the context of teaching and learning, its use must be communicated honestly and transparently. This means not only stating that AI was used as a tool (e.g. in the creation of a paper) but also clearly indicating how it was used and which parts were generated by AI. The Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) has published recommendations on how to properly disclose such usage. The Centre for Teaching and Learning encourages instructors at Hochschule Bremen to address this topic proactively with their students and to establish clear guidelines for the use of GenAI in academic assessments—especially in term papers and final theses. Instructors should discuss with students how they intend to use GenAI in their work, what expectations exist, and which ethical standards must be followed. It is also essential to ensure that students have access to the necessary resources and understand how to use GenAI responsibly. Important: Those who use GenAI are responsible for the AI-generated texts they submit or pass on.

Legal Framework for the Use of Artificial Intelligence

The legal framework for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is currently not yet fully defined, and many questions remain unanswered. Nevertheless, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) encourages instructors and students at Hochschule Bremen to familiarize themselves with the existing legal regulations and to take them into account. The following regulations are particularly relevant for University of Applied Bremen:

• Datenschutzerklärung der HSB,
• Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO),
• Bremische Ausführungsgesetz zur EU-Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (BremDSGVOAG),
• EU AI Act,
• Urheberrecht.

In addition, specific legal regulations may apply depending on the particular AI application. The legal provisions of the country in which the servers of an AI system are located apply to that system’s provider. For this reason, the ZLL recommends carefully reviewing the terms and conditions (T&Cs) and user agreements before using any AI application. These documents often include clauses regarding the usage rights of the generated content. This is especially important, as there are currently no definitive legal regulations concerning copyright for AI-generated content.

AI applications that are specifically provided by the University of Applied Bremen for teaching and learning purposes have already been reviewed for compliance with data protection and examination law. Students and instructors also receive detailed information about each application, including how their input data is processed and other relevant legal aspects.

Assessments

One area of academic practice particularly challenged by the use of AI-based systems is the design and conduct of assessments. In addition to the previously mentioned principles of good academic practice and the existing legal framework, the assessment regulations at University of Applied Bremen must also be observed.

The General Sections of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Assessment Regulations (especially §§ 7, 8, and 16) define the rules for indicating which support tools and sources have been used, how quotations and paraphrased content must be cited, and how violations of these rules are to be sanctioned. The Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) recommends that AI tools be understood as auxiliary tools within this context and that their use be made transparent accordingly. The task of defining how this disclosure should be presented currently lies with the faculties, degree programmes, or individual instructors. Likewise, it is up to them to determine in advance whether and how the use of AI tools is permitted in assessments (and in teaching more generally), provided that this has not already been defined in the subject-specific regulations. These rules must be clearly communicated by instructors and assessors. The ZLL encourages faculties, degree programme directors, and instructors to agree on a general, faculty-wide or at least programme-specific approach. In addition, the ZLL calls on the university’s Executive Board to develop institution-wide guidelines for the use of AI that can serve as a framework and orientation for the faculties.

Support Services at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen

The ZLL is happy to support instructors and students at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen with practical questions regarding the use of AI. You can find information about current workshops and information events on the ZLL website. The resources provided by the ZLL are continuously updated and expanded. If you would like individual support, you can find all contact details here.