Gerald Soosairaj, an associate teaching professor at the Jacobs School of Engineering, highlights critical findings on the use of chatbots like GitHub Copilot in computer science education. Researchers warn that while relying on AI tools can lead to a lack of fundamental programming knowledge and potential security vulnerabilities, students who completely avoid them risk falling behind in productivity. The study involved 71 computer science students, revealing mixed feelings about Copilot; trust generally increased with usage, yet many realized proficient programming skills are essential to effectively leverage AI tools. After a 10-day project involving Copilot, around 39% reported increased trust, while 37% felt their trust decreased. These findings underscore the necessity for educators to balance teaching fundamentals while integrating AI tools, ensuring students can evaluate AI-generated code effectively. This study prompts vital considerations for enhancing computer science curricula, signaling a shift towards incorporating AI responsibly in both introductory and advanced courses.
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