[publication] Whitepaper on Evaluating GenAI Innovation in Higher Education #tugraz #research #AIinEducation

Our publication, „Whitepaper on Evaluating GenAI Innovation in Higher Education,“ is included in the proceedings of the EDMedia 2026 conference.

Abstract:
Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is increasingly shaping higher education by enabling new forms of content creation, assessment, learner support, personalization, and synthetic media. However, its value cannot be determined solely by technical performance, novelty, or efficiency. This paper presents an evaluation framework for quality genAI applications in higher education. This paper presents a practice-derived framework developed through a cross-case synthesis of nine diverse GenAI implementations at Graz University of Technology. Analyzing projects ranging from AI-generated content to RAG-based chatbots, we identified recurring decision points and risk patterns to formulate a five-phase, non-linear evaluation model. The framework guides institutions through specifying context, assessing feasibility, selecting implementation strategies, conducting multi-layered pilots, and performing data-informed analysis. A defining feature is the integration of explicit „Sustain-or-Discontinue“ decision gates at each stage, ensuring resources are committed only to viable applications while providing a structured pathway to terminate initiatives that fail to meet pedagogical or ethical standards. We argue that the core institutional capability lies not in rapid adoption, but in the discipline to evaluate responsibly, balancing experimentation with the rigor to govern and discontinue when necessary.

[publication @ conference’s homepage]
[preview @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Schön, S., Brünner, B., Ebner, M. & Leitner, P. (2026). Whitepaper on Evaluating GenAI Innovation in Higher Education. In Proceedings of EdMedia 2026 Edinburgh (pp. 697-703). Waynesville, NC: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved June 15, 2026 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/2129693/.

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of AI in education.

[mooc] Woche 4 im MOOC zu „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen“ #imoox #digiskill26

Woche 3 im MOOC zu „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen“ liegt vor uns. Diese Woche geht es um das Kreation digitaler Inhalte und natürlich haben wir wieder im Digi-Stammtisch darüber geredet. Viel Spaß damit:

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[Kostenlose Anmeldeseite MOOC „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen„]

[issue] Applications of Digital Technology and AI in Educational Settings #tugraz #research

I am happy to announce that my successful journal issue on „Applications of Digital Technology and AI in Educational Settings“ is now closed. In summary, 16 very interesting articles are part of it:

  • Generative AI as a More Knowledgeable Other: An Autoethnographic Study of Game Design Education
  • An Exploratory Study of a Generative AI-Based Intelligent Tutoring System Using a Multi-Agent Architecture in Higher Education
  • Design Principles and Impact of a Learning Analytics Dashboard: Evidence from a Randomized MOOC Experiment
  • Retrieval-Augmented Vision–Language Agents for Child-Centered Encyclopedia Learning
  • A Multi-Agent Chatbot Architecture for AI-Driven Language Learning
  • Memory-Augmented Large Language Model for Enhanced Chatbot Services in University Learning Management Systems
  • PCcGE: Personalized Chinese Couplet Generation and Evaluation Framework Based on Large Language Models
  • Gen-SynDi: Leveraging Knowledge-Guided Generative AI for Dual Education of Syndrome Differentiation and Disease Diagnosis
  • Students’ Perceptions of AI Digital Assistants (AIDAs): Should Institutions Invest in Their Own AIDAs?
  • Digital Human Technology in E-Learning: Custom Content Solutions
  • Automatic Correction System for Learning Activities in Remote-Access Laboratories in the Mechatronics Area
  • Toward Questionnaire Complexity Reduction by Decreasing the Questions
  • Gamification and Immersive Experiences: A Gamified Approach for Promoting Active Aging
  • AI-Driven Smart Transformation in Physical Education: Current Trends and Future Research Directions
  • Regional Perspectives on Service Learning and Implementation Barriers: A Systematic Review
  • An Overview of Commercial Virtual Reality Providers in Education: Mapping the Current Market Landscape

You can find the whole issue here [Link to the Open-Access-Issue]

[CfP] Special Issue on „Applications of Educational Technology and AI in Educational Settings“ #research

I am happy to announce another Call for Papers for a Special Issue on „Applications of Educational Technology and AI in Educational Settings

This Special Issue aims to investigate the transformative impact of digital technology and/or artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. As such, we are seeking educational technology solutions that add value to education with a strong focus on the technology used.
With rapid advancements, AI-powered tools like adaptive learning platforms, automated grading systems, chatbots, AI agents, AI avatars and a high number of different applications are changing the educational environment. Furthermore, digital technologies in general, including virtual classrooms settings or blended-learning situations as well as MOOCs, enhance accessibility and foster student engagement.
Therefore, we are seeking case studies and recent research exploring both the benefits and challenges of integrating digital technologies and AI in educational settings. Ethical considerations, teacher roles, open education and digital equity are also of interest, emphasizing the need for thoughtful implementation to maximize the potential of digital technologies in improving educational outcomes.

The deadline for the final submission, as well as further information, can be found here: [Link to the call]

[mooc] Woche 3 im MOOC zu „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen“ #imoox #digiskill26

Woche 2 im MOOC zu „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen“ liegt vor uns. Diese Woche geht es um das Thema Kommunikation und Zusammenarbeit und da haben wir auch wieder Vides vorbereitet aus unserem Digi-Stammtisch. Viel Spaß damit:

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[publication] The OER Paradox in Ukraine: Legal Comfort and Its Impact on Open Educational Practices #OER #research

Our publication about „The OER Paradox in Ukraine: Legal Comfort and Its Impact on Open Educational Practices“ is published in the conference proceedings of this year’s EDMedia conference.

Abstract:
This study analyses the impact of the new Law of Ukraine „On Copyright and Related Rights“ (2811-IX) on the use of educational materials in the context of digital transformation and military crisis. Using the benchmarking methodology „15 cases in 15 countries“ and qualitative interviews with teachers, the work compares Ukrainian norms with the practice of European countries. The results show that broad educational exceptions (in particular, Articles 22 and 24) create a situation of „legal comfort“ for the academic community, allowing the legal use of protected content in closed digital environments. However, this gives rise to the „OER paradox“: the absence of legal barriers to the use of proprietary resources reduces the motivation to create full-fledged open educational resources under open licenses. The paper highlights the need for institutional incentives to overcome dependence on closed content and integrate Ukraine into the global open education movement.

[publication @ conference’s homepage]
[preview @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Andriichenko, Y., Ebner, M., Schön, S. & Brünner, B. (2026). The OER Paradox in Ukraine: Legal Comfort and Its Impact on Open Educational Practices. In Proceedings of EdMedia 2026 Edinburgh (pp. 1589-1599). Waynesville, NC: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved June 15, 2026 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/2129797/.

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of Open Educational Resources (OER).

[mooc] MOOC zu „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen“ startet #imoox #digiskill26

Es freut uns, dass wir den MOOC zu „Digitale Kompetenzen für Studienanfänger:innen“ starten können. Ein MOOC wo wir hoffen einen kleinen Beitrag zur Erhöhung der digitalen Kompetenzen leisten zu können. Aufbauend auf dem europäischen Rahmenwerk werden wir die nächsten Wochen die einzelnen Punkte versuchen kurz und knapp einzuführen und das mit einem speziellen Blickwinkel auf Studierende. Heute in Woche 1 gibt es das Einführungsvideo:

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[mooc] Meinungsbildung & Desinformation #imoox

Ein sehr spannender MOOC geht heute auf iMooX.at online, zum Thema „Meinungsbildung & Desinformation“ von der MCI:

Desinformation ist aktueller denn je – von polarisierenden Informationen zu Wahlkämpfen bis zu KI-generierten Deepfakes. Unser neuer Selbstlernkurs „Meinungsbildung und Desinformation“ stärkt Informationskompetenz und unterstützt dich dabei, eine reflektiert-fragende Haltung gegenüber Medieninhalten zu entwickeln. Teilnehmende lernen, Informationen kritisch einzuordnen, Quellen zu prüfen und manipulative Inhalte zu erkennen – eine Schlüsselkompetenz für demokratische Teilhabe und Verantwortung.

Natürlich ist der MOOC kostenslos durchführbar: [Link zur kostenlosen Anmeldung]

[event] European Digital Campus: Lessons Learned from Unite!

We are very happy that we can invite you to our closing event of the 4-year-long work on the digital infrastructure of our European alliance UNITE!. We would like to share our final results in a hybrid session – so you can join us in Stockholm as well as online:

How can EU university alliances build a truly federated digital campus? On 13 October 2026, from 14:30 to 16:00 CET, the Unite! Alliance invites stakeholders to an interactive session exploring the practical realities of developing a shared digital higher education ecosystem.

Find here the webpage for further details and for the registration: [Eventpage]