Dealing with AI at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt

AI text generator software is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses machine learning technologies and complex algorithms to automatically create human-like texts.

Research into AI has only just begun, and this document will be developed and adapted accordingly.

The basis of an academic journey is to begin it with an open mind to broaden one's horizons. In other words, one should be curious about new technologies such as AI, but at the same time exercise a certain amount of caution. As a tool, AI can not only contribute to (further) education, but it also harbours potential pitfalls. An understanding of the "permitted, appropriate and openly declared" use of AI is crucial in order to study or teach successfully - hence....

• "be open and curious, but prudent"
  It can help to broaden your horizons, so be open to but aware of the limits of using new technology such as AI.

• "be transparent and declare the use of AI"
  Transparency and referencing the use of whatever (new) technology or source is a principle of higher education.

• "get an overview with AI, use it as a tool, but remain critical"
  New technology should be seen as a useful tool, e.g., to gain an overview of complex topics, insights into other trains of thought, or as food for thought. However, the results should always be viewed critically, taking the advantages and disadvantages of using AI into account.

• "be critical and analyse the results of AI and its use"
  Continuous evaluation and reflection are crucial when using new technologies. This means that not only the results should be scrutinised, but also the extent to which these technologies can be used to achieve teaching/learning objectives. This is because AI text generators are not expert systems. They assemble text modules from existing or free sources without scientific consideration. Consequently, you need to carry out your own in-depth scientific research or acquire individual content-related skills in order to be able to adequately scrutinise the results from AI.

• "observe the legal principles and take responsibility"
  AI text generators do not develop their own derivations, but use data from various sources, including questionable or plagiarised passages. The publication of certain confidential data in an AI tool also constitutes a violation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the principles of data protection, authorship and plagiarism when using new technologies. Likewise, ethical and honest behaviour should be the basis for dealing with AI.

• "be informed and know the application and implications of AI tools"
  As a prerequisite for the aforementioned appeals, everyone should familiarise themselves with the applications and specific opportunities/challenges of new technologies (especially AI). Training and information events in particular contribute to the respectful and conscious use of AI at the FHWN.

• "learn about adapted performance assessments in the context of competence-oriented teaching"
  Lecturers internalise competence-oriented teaching and adapt the examination culture to the use of new technology. Priority is given to the interpretation of the context and a deeper understanding of the content and its interconnectedness. The focus is on the application and discussion of content, on questioning and monitoring the learning process.