The desire path: unleashing expectations, discussing apprehensions, and proposing a way forward for GAI use in higher education

Purpose The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the desire path of using GAI in higher education, including expectations, apprehensions, and the way forward. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study employs thematic analysis, scrutinizing 11 interviews with innovative higher education faculty. The methodology section details the utilization of GAI (Chat GPT) for conducting thematic analysis on interviews, showcasing academics' practical application of this technology for research purposes. Findings Stakeholders expect continuous improvement in technology, overdependence, advocate for gradual adjustment, and emphasize context-dependent technology utilization. Concerns encompass issues such as data reliability, ethical considerations, risks of undermining fundamental aspects, limitations in fully replacing human involvement, and worries about personal responsibility. Practical implications Recommendations include flexible regulations, data-driven decision-making, professional development, diverse stakeholder engagement, and promoting distributed responsibility. Originality/value This study offers valuable insights into the use of GAI in higher education, formulating policies that encourage innovation without hampering effectiveness.