The Role of Generative AI Tools in Introductory Programming Across Cultures

Project Summary:

In this GLE project, students, in mixed groups, engaged in a series of activities, of increasing complexity, interacting with AI tools. A typical activity required the students to work on an assigned problem as a group without AI, then collaboratively develop prompt for the AI tools to solve the problem, and finally reflect (on video) on the differences between their solution and the AI tool solution.

Project Length:

8 Weeks

Technology Tools Use:

Zoom
AI generative tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini)
Discord

Interaction Mode:

Synchronous

Learning Outcomes:

Students were able to describe at least one cultural commonality and one significant cultural difference with/from their partners.
Students were able to analyze the impact of generative AI tools on their own learning as computer programming novices.
Students were able to manage repeated synchronous collaboration sessions at a distance leading to the production of specific deliverables.

Faculty Feedback:

"The best part of this GLE was establishing a working relationship and a new friendship with Tanya. Designing and implementing the activities with her was a fantastic and rewarding experience." ~GianMario Besana