The launch of the “inTU” chatbot for first-year students in early October marked the public debut of the “AI in Education” project at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). Behind the scenes, several working groups have been developing approaches to integrating AI into studying and teaching since the summer. Their work is laying the groundwork for an AI strategy at TU Hamburg. A key part of this process is understanding the needs of those who use AI every day. Working Group 6, “Empowerment and Stakeholders”, therefore conducted a student needs assessment from July 1 to 17, 2026. More than 500 students from all Schools participated, representing approximately 8 percent of TU Hamburg’s student body.
The findings show just how firmly AI has already become part of everyday student life. Of those surveyed, 55 percent use AI tools daily or even several times a day, while another 32 percent use them several times a week. Students most frequently turn to AI to clarify questions and deepen their understanding. A total of 87 percent say that AI helps them with difficult tasks, and 76 percent feel that it makes their learning more efficient.
Between Greater Efficiency and Hallucinations
The findings do not suggest that students use AI uncritically. Of those surveyed, 78 percent recognize the risk of AI generating errors and false information. Meanwhile, 85 percent say they regularly check AI-generated content for accuracy. Many also notice changes in their own learning habits: 77 percent feel more dependent on technological tools, while 42 percent say their learning has become more superficial. In addition, 65 percent are concerned that they may lose the ability to write texts independently.
The results also highlight a clear desire for guidance. Only just over a third of respondents feel confident about the legal requirements governing the use of AI in assessed coursework. Clear guidelines on AI use are considered very important by 75 percent. Only one aspect ranks higher: 78 percent consider it very important to retain group exercises. Equal opportunities are another concern for many students. While 43 percent use paid AI subscriptions, 46 percent are concerned that not everyone has equal access to AI tools.
Data Protection Matters
The findings also indicate why the approach taken by “AI in Education” is likely to resonate with students. A majority of respondents (72 percent) have data protection concerns about using AI tools. In their open-ended responses, some explicitly expressed a desire for a locally hosted AI system at TU Hamburg. The project's applications run on the university's own servers and use local models, without relying on commercial providers.
Students take a similarly nuanced view of learning analytics, the analysis of learning data. While 73 percent support AI-powered course or literature recommendations and 64 percent favour AI-generated feedback on assignments, only 18 percent support using AI to grade academic work.
Exploring the Findings in Focus Groups
How is AI changing the way students learn? What rules are needed at TU Hamburg? And what skills and technical resources do students want? Working Group 6 is exploring these questions in October through moderated group discussions, known as focus groups. These sessions are intended to provide deeper insights into the findings of the needs assessment. The focus is on discussion among the students themselves, with the project team simply providing prompts to stimulate conversation.
Next Steps
The needs assessment and focus groups will provide the basis for planning future AI tools and training opportunities at TU Hamburg, tailored to the needs of different target groups. To ensure that these offerings also meet the needs of teaching and administrative staff, further needs assessments will be conducted among staff involved in the administration of Student Education and among teaching staff.
Working Group 6 will present the findings from the student survey, including initial insights from the focus groups, at the Day of Teaching on November 12, 2026, as part of the Market of Opportunities.
Further information about the project “AI in Education”
Contact
Laura Daldrop
AI in Education, Working Group 6
laura.daldrop(at)tuhh(dot)de
