11.06.2025

GenAI and critical thinking: Effects and consequences for knowledge production, education/research, and society

Keynote at 3. KI-Fachtag, IWM Tübingen

Generative AI, especially language models, is transforming the practices of teaching and learning in education and research at universities and schools.
Initial findings indicate a connection between certain usage patterns and a decline in critical judgment. This presentation uses illustrative examples and current research results to explore what these developments mean for knowledge acquisition and knowledge production in educational and research institutions. It also examines the broader consequences for society, including risks to democracy.
Jacqueline Bellon also presents initial results from specific exercises designed to simultaneously foster epistemic competence/critical judgment, AI literacy, and standards of academic work. These exercises have so far been tested at universities but can be adapted for school contexts.

The 'KI-Fachtag' will take place at Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) at Schleichstr. 6 in Tübingen on July 11, 2025, with the involvement of the Center for School Quality and Teacher Education (ZSL), the KI Maker Space, and the Tübingen Regional Council.