The Exploration of Generative Textbooks in Higher Education: A Design-Based Research Intervention

Generative textbooks are AI-powered educational resources generated using generative AI tools to create a variety of content types. However, this is a relatively new notion, and it is still under exploration. The current study aims to explore how the concept of a generative textbook can be effectively integrated into higher education academic programs. Specifically, it examined the creation, integration, and usability of generative textbooks in a college course, an area previously unexplored in higher education settings. A design-based research approach is employed to conduct this study through three phases: analysis and exploration, design and development, and evaluation and reflection. The instruments and participants are varied throughout the phases. The iterative process of this approach demonstrated how the generative textbook was generated. The output of this design-based research is a generative textbook chatbot (OLAD), which is an LLM; a responsive platform where students can post their queries regarding online learning and receive instant responses. The findings showed that the speed, creativity, adaptability, and efficiency of the OLAD are the critical advantages of this tool. Regarding the disadvantages, the study revealed that AI-generated content lacks accuracy, depth of information, and human insights. In addition, it is identified that the usefulness and ease of use of the OLAD of the generative textbook were at a moderate level. Further investigation is needed to inform pedagogical designs of integrating LLM into a college course.