A3D3 Seminar: Jon Reifschneider

Monday Jan 27, 2025, 12:00 PM → 1:00 PM US/Pacific

Title: Increasing learner self-efficiency and interest in programming via an AI assistant designed for learning support

 

Abstract: The emergence of AI tools to support programming in recent years, such as GitHub CoPilot and ChatGPT, have had significant impacts on the learning experience of students in programming courses.  Because these tools were designed for developer productivity rather than learning, their use by students often short-circuits the learning process by enabling them to arrive at answers without truly understanding the process of solving problems.  However, AI does offer potential benefits for learners in coding courses in terms of always-on support that can be personalized to the level of each learner.  The Qubit coding assistant developed by Duke University’s Center for Research & Engineering of AI Technology in Education (CREATE) attempts to provide learners with the benefits of AI-based learning support without undercutting the learning process.  The tool was piloted in Summer 2024 in Duke’s Summer Coding Camp with high school learners through a randomized control trial, the results of which showed significant impacts on improving leaner self-efficacy and interest in continuing to learn about coding.

 

 

Jon Reifschneider is the Executive Director of  Duke's Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation Master's Program and teaches in it.

 

The A3D3 Seminar is a monthly lecture series that hosts scholars working across applied areas of artificial intelligence, such as hardware algorithm co-development, high energy physics, multi-messenger astrophysics,  and neuroscience. Our presenters come from all four domain fields and include occasional external speakers beyond the A3D3 science areas, governmental agencies and industry. The seminar will be recorded and published in YouTube. To receive future event updates, subscribe here.