The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly GenAI, offers transformative possibilities for higher education. The integration of AI technologies, particularly GenAI, into business education has shown significant potential in enhancing both teaching and learning outcomes.

This explorative study examines how GenAI is integrated into the learning activities in business education to support students' professional as well as creative and critical thinking skills. By automating routine tasks, AI can enable students to focus on higher-order thinking, allowing them to refine their ideas and apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

The study contributes to the ongoing conversation about the ethical implications of AI in education. By focusing on transparency and critical engagement with AI-generated outputs, educators are taking steps to prevent over-reliance on technology while leveraging AI's potential to enhance student creativity and problem-solving abilities. In the study we have continued our work with business educators in higher education. We have collected data from workshops with educators.

Key findings indicate that GenAI can play a central role in content creation, brainstorming, and supporting simulations. However, a major concern raised by educators is the risk of students over-relying on generative AI, particularly in tasks that require personal reflection or creativity. To address these concerns, the principle of ‘Human in the Loop’ and transparency are emphasized, mentioning that students are required to disclose the specific GenAI tools and prompts used, fostering accountability and ensuring the integrity of their work.

Furthermore, the level of GenAI integration varies depending on the subject. Educators highlight the importance of balancing GenAI assistance with non-AI driven tasks to ensure students develop both foundational knowledge and technological proficiency. The findings underscore the need for continuous reflection on the role of GenAI in educational settings, ensuring that it’s used in collaboration or as complements rather than as a replacement for critical human thinking.

Keywords: AI in education, generative AI, business education, didactical planning, critical thinking, ethical considerations.