Students' Perceptions and Use of Generative AI Tools for Programming Across Different Computing Courses

• Main Authors: Keuning, Hieke, Alpizar-Chacon, Isaac, Lykourentzou, Ioanna, Beehler, Lauren, Köppe, Christian, de Jong, Imke, Sosnovsky, Sergey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 09-10-2024
• Subjects: Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence; Computer Science - Computers and Society
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2410.06865

Investigation of students' perceptions and opinions on the use of generative
artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education is a topic gaining much interest.
Studies addressing this are typically conducted with large heterogeneous
groups, at one moment in time. However, how students perceive and use GenAI
tools can potentially depend on many factors, including their background
knowledge, familiarity with the tools, and the learning goals and policies of
the courses they are taking.
In this study we explore how students following computing courses use GenAI
for programming-related tasks across different programs and courses: Bachelor
and Master, in courses in which learning programming is the learning goal,
courses that require programming as a means to achieve another goal, and in
courses in which programming is optional, but can be useful. We are also
interested in changes over time, since GenAI capabilities are changing at a
fast pace, and users are adopting GenAI increasingly.
We conducted three consecutive surveys (fall `23, winter `23, and spring `24)
among students of all computing programs of a large European research
university. We asked questions on the use in education, ethics, and job
prospects, and we included specific questions on the (dis)allowed use of GenAI
tools in the courses they were taking at the time.
We received 264 responses, which we quantitatively and qualitatively
analyzed, to find out how students have employed GenAI tools across 59
different computing courses, and whether the opinion of an average student
about these tools evolves over time. Our study contributes to the emerging
discussion of how to differentiate GenAI use across different courses, and how
to align its use with the learning goals of a computing course.