This study presents a structured, student-centered pedagogical framework for teaching Big Data concepts using ChatGPT as an integrated educational assistant. A semester-long implementation in an undergraduate Big Data course at TUIT demonstrated that guided ChatGPT usage, coupled with incremental project-based tasks, collaborative discussion, and reflective evaluation, improves students’ autonomy, engagement, and technical competence. Findings suggest that this AI-supported model fosters independent learning while maintaining critical evaluation skills and peer collaboration, providing a replicable approach for integrating generative AI into higher education curricula.