Blick in die Lernforschung: Auswirkungen von KI auf Denken und Lernen - U:FF 2026

A Look at Learning Research: The Impact of AI on Thinking and Learning: A discussion by Prof. Dr. Hiltraut Paridon, Annette Glathe, Tobias Weber, Florian Klapproth, Ulrike Hanke, and Martina Moerth at the University:Future Festival 2026. "Yet another term paper with the same introductory phrase. It can't be true!" Lecturers despair over students' unreflective use of AI. On the other hand, there are also examples of competent AI use. Study results also show contradictory findings. But what makes the difference? Models from learning and motivational psychology can explain these seemingly contradictory results regarding the impact of AI on learning. They allow for predictions about the potential positive and negative effects on cognitive and motivational processes in thinking and on the learning process itself. How can AI be used in a way that supports thinking processes? Which usage scenarios are less conducive to sustainable learning? We will present concrete didactic scenarios that can support meaningful learning and thinking in the age of AI. /// The sixth edition of the University:Future Festival took place from June 22-24, 2026, under the motto "Under Pressure!" The hybrid festival was held in person in Berlin, Braunschweig, Essen, Graz, Hamburg, and Nuremberg. The University:Future Festival (U:FF) is the largest event dedicated to the (digital) future of academic education. Topics included AI, future skills, didactics, and strategic processes. Participants enjoyed a diverse program with approximately 280 presentations from around 550 speakers! The University:Future Festival is a collaboration between the Higher Education Forum on Digitalization, the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education, and the Stifterverband (Donors' Association for German Science). The partner stages were organized by the Emerging Tech Lab and the Media Lab of the Project House at TU Braunschweig, ORCA.nrw, Graz University of Technology, Ohm University and UTN Nuremberg, and the University of Hamburg in conjunction with OERCamp. More information is available at https://festival.hfd.digital/de/