Generative AI Assistants in Software Development Education: A vision for integrating Generative AI into educational practice, not instinctively defending against it
Project Overview
Generative AI (GAI) technologies, such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, are transforming education, particularly in software development, by making coding more accessible and improving problem-solving skills. The document highlights the integration of GAI into educational practices, advocating for pedagogical adjustments to effectively incorporate these tools while cautioning against potential over-reliance and concerns regarding code quality. It emphasizes the importance of using GAI to provide scaffolding for learners, supporting their educational journey without replacing foundational learning processes. The authors recommend that educators prioritize teaching programming fundamentals before introducing GAI, ensuring that students develop a solid understanding of core concepts. Overall, the findings suggest that while GAI can significantly enhance learning experiences in education, careful implementation and training are essential to maximize benefits and mitigate risks associated with these advanced technologies.
Key Applications
GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT
Context: Software development education, targeting programming students and professionals
Implementation: Integration of GAI tools into programming curricula and practical applications in software development
Outcomes: Improved accessibility to coding, enhanced productivity, and support for higher-level problem-solving
Challenges: Concerns about over-reliance on GAI tools, potential decline in critical thinking skills, and issues related to code quality and accuracy
Implementation Barriers
Technical
GAI tools can produce incorrect or suboptimal code that seems convincing but does not meet the desired requirements.
Proposed Solutions: Implement human oversight for code quality checks and training programs focused on programming fundamentals.
Educational
Students may become over-reliant on GAI tools, hindering their ability to learn core programming skills.
Proposed Solutions: Introduce a phased approach to using GAI tools, emphasizing foundational programming knowledge first.
Ethical
Concerns regarding copyright issues related to GAI-generated code from open-source projects.
Proposed Solutions: Develop clear guidelines on the ethical use of GAI tools and address copyright in training data.
Project Team
Christopher Bull
Researcher
Ahmed Kharrufa
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Christopher Bull, Ahmed Kharrufa
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai