“We Need to Analyze Students GenAI Use”: Towards an AI Adoption Framework for Higher Education

Context: Generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT are rapidly transforming how students learn and work. While adoption among learners is high, institutional frameworks in higher education often lag behind. Objective: This study pursues two primary objectives: 1) identifying students’ use-cases for GenAI, and 2) synthesizing these into a systematic description how to integrate GenAI into higher education. Method: To address these objectives, we conducted a case study at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover. We used a questionnaire that included both quantitative and qualitative questions. Results: Our findings reveal that 129 (n=151) of the students use GenAI tools in their studies. Based on a synthesis of the results, we created a systematic description for GenAI integration into higher education. Contributions: We offer specific solutions: with the AI Adoption Framework, higher education institutions will be able to review and adapt their regulations and curricula in relation to GenAI to keep up with the pace of change in the field