AI in learning and teaching
The use of Artificial Intelligence in learning and teaching (e.g. ChatGPT) is currently at the center of many discussions. AI technology represents a challenge for higher education institutions, but it also provides new opportunities.
The University of Basel closely follows the development of chatbots and other AI-based tools, especially from the perspective of their use in learning and teaching.
The University of Basel is not planning to introduce a general ban on such tools.
AI-based tools in teaching
The University of Basel does not plan to introduce a general ban on AI-based tools. Professors and lecturers can decide on a case-by-case basis if they want to integrate AI-based tools into their teaching and/or into exams and assessments, or if they want to restrict their use.
Guidelines “Citing AI tools”
How should students declare their use of AI-based tools and how should they cite AI-generated texts and images? The document Citing AI tools provides guidance on the use of AI-based tools in scientific writing.
Declaration of independent authorship
For Faculties and Departments requiring students at any level (Bachelor, Master, PhD) to include a Declaration of independent authorship in their written work, this sample formulation has been prepared.
Scenarios
The following matrix provides suggestions on how to handle AI-based tools in teaching and shows the measures that the University of Basel has implemented, or plans to implement.
Scenario 1: Integration
Using AI-based tools productively in learning and teaching (AI literacy)
didactical
Training and developing new text-production skills
Offering training opportunities
(see below)
technical
Providing access to tools
Providing or licensing tools, if required
legal
Compliance with data protection and copyright law (data is stored on US servers)
Assessing tools from the perspective of data protection and copyright law
Scenario 2: Regulation
Restricting the use of AI in exams and assessments
didactical
Adapting tasks in exams and assessments (learning objectives level)
Offering training opportunities
(see below)
technical
Preventing access to tools (assessment security)
Exam-wifi / Safe Browser
legal
Setting up restrictions (preventive measures / scientific integrity)
Declaration of independent authorship (see above)
Materials and training opportunities
To support students and teaching staff in the area of AI-based tools, the following materials and training opportunities have been developed.
AI Literacy
The University's Framework Digital Literacies is currently being expanded to include AI literacy as an integral part of digital skills.
Information on the University’s intranet
University staff members will find information on AI in teaching on this intranet page, which receives regular updates.
InBox AI in teaching – curated resources for using AI in university courses
With this service, the Educational Development team provides curated resources and best practice examples for using AI in teaching.
Requests related to individual teaching plans can be sent to: vera.roth@unibas.ch, Subject: ‘InBox AI’.
Consultation for AI in Teaching
The Educational Development team’s AI Consultation Hour offers a dedicated space to discuss the individual needs teachers may have, to exchange ideas, and to receive guidance on the use of AI in teaching.
This service is held via Zoom and is open to all teaching staff at the University of Basel, beginners and experienced users alike.
Time: Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
To register and receive an appointment, teachers and instructors should send an e-mail to: vera.roth@unibas.ch, Subject: ‘AI consultation’, with a brief outline of their request.
Courses on using generative AI in teaching
Generative KI wie ChatGPT als Unterstützung für Ihre Lehre – so läuft einiges effizienter
ONLINE
German
Further information and registration
Registration deadline: 25.08.2025
KI-Kompetenzen in Lehrveranstaltungen (nebenbei) fördern
German
Further information and registration
Registration deadline: 24.08.2025
Lehren in Zeiten von KI – Lernziele, Lernaktivitäten und Leistungsüberprüfungen systematisch aufeinander beziehen (optional mit Hands-on)
German
Further information and registration
Registration deadline: 12.09.2025
Lehren in Zeiten von KI – Lernziele, Lernaktivitäten und Leistungsüberprüfungen systematisch aufeinander beziehen (optional mit Hands-on)
ONLINE
German
Further information and registration
Registration deadline: 04.01.2026
Self Study Course: ChatGPT und KI in der Hochschullehre
(in German)
German
Further information and registration
Join anytime
Self Study Course: Prüfen in einer Welt mit KI
(in German)
German
Further information and registration
Join anytime
Self-study course: ChatGPT and artificial Intelligence in higher education - opportunities and challenges
English
Further information and registration
Join anytime
Working group – AI in teaching
The mission of the Learning & Teaching unit is to prepare and curate relevant information from the teaching perspective to help strategic decision-making and to provide guidance to Faculties and Departments. In the realization of this mission, the working group “AI in teaching” assumes the function of a sounding board that
- brings in a variety of perspectives when processing relevant information,
- selects and prioritizes arguments to facilitate decision-making,
- provides feedback on positions and products.
Members
- Prof. Thomas Grob, Vice-President for Education (Chair)
- Dr. Gudrun Bachmann, Educational Technologies
- Karsten Engel, University Library
- Dr. Stefanie Hof-Seiler, Graduate Center
- N.N., Data Protection Officer
- Dr. Dominik Marti, Educational Development
- Dr. Frank Neumann, Research Office
- David Schaub, Legal Services
- Dr. Jean Terrier, Educational Technologies
- Gerhild Tesak, Educational Development
- Further experts, dependent on topic
