Lecture Notes: Impact of AI on Computer Science Education

Introduction

• Discussion based on an article from the ACM journal.
• Focus on the impact of AI on computer science education.

Study Overview

• Conducted by an MIT computer science professor.
• Three groups of students tasked with writing code in a new programming language.
• Groups and Tools Used:
  1. Chat GPT - Allowed to use Chat GPT.
  2. Codex Llama - Used Codex Llama, a coding AI tool.
  3. Google Search - Utilized Google search for learning.

Study Findings

• Performance Speed:
  • Chat GPT group completed tasks fastest.
  • Codex Llama group took more time.
  • Google Search group was the slowest.
• Memory Retention:
  • Chat GPT group showed poor memory retention, all failed a memory task.
  • Google Search group had all students pass memory tasks.
  • Codex Llama group had a 50% pass rate.

Implications for Cognitive Ergonomics

• Highlights the importance of understanding technology's impact on cognition.
• Shows the difference between initial performance and long-term learning/retention.
• Raises awareness about the blind use of AI tools.

Broader Research Context

• Historical interest of human factors in understanding new technology impacts, from automation to AI.
• AI's potential to revolutionize education and make certain jobs obsolete.

Adoption of AI in Academia

• Higher adoption of AI tools noted among:
  • Students who procrastinate.
  • Students experiencing high stress levels.
• Lower adoption among students focused on learning beyond grades.

Conclusion

• Challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI in education.
• Importance of choosing research topics related to AI and cognitive ergonomics.
• Invitation to participate in ongoing studies in the human systems lab.

Assignment Reminder

• Literature review assignment options include AI's impact on cognitive ergonomics.
• Encouragement to select AI-related topics for literature reviews.

• End of lecture. Further engagement and discussions encouraged.
• Contact for involvement in studies is open.
• Thank you and have a good day.