The general availability of powerful Large Language Models had a powerful impact on higher
education, yet general models may not always be useful for the associated specialized tasks. When
using these models, oftentimes the need for particular domain knowledge becomes quickly apparent,
and the desire for customized bots arises. Customization holds the promise of leading to more
accurate and contextually relevant responses, enhancing the educational experience. The purpose
of this short technical experience report is to describe what “customizing” Large Language Models
means in practical terms for higher education institutions. This report thus relates insights and
experiences from one particular technical university in Switzerland, ETH Zurich.
From Gerd Kortemeyer in the text Tailoring Chatbots for Higher Education: Some Insights and Experiences (2024)