General-purpose large language models (LLMs), are transforming programming education. These models can autonomously generate code, identify errors, suggest debugging strategies, and provide explanations. Recent advances, including Chain-of-Thought (CoT) training, have strengthened these capabilities. This study examines how non-STEM postgraduate students use LLMs in an introductory programming course. After attending an AI literacy (AIL) workshop covering generative AI (GAI) basics, ethics, and prompt engineering, participants completed questionnaires and Python exercises. Findings show strong reliance on LLMs, often with uncritical acceptance of their outputs. The results underscore the need to embed AI literacy into non-STEM curricula and promote a model of augmented intelligence, encouraging critical, ethical collaboration with AI systems.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Generative AI for Non-Techies: Empirical Insights into LLMs in Programming Education for Novice Non-STEM Learners

  • Valentina Rossi,
  • Teresa Scantamburlo,
  • Alessandra Melonio

摘要

General-purpose large language models (LLMs), are transforming programming education. These models can autonomously generate code, identify errors, suggest debugging strategies, and provide explanations. Recent advances, including Chain-of-Thought (CoT) training, have strengthened these capabilities. This study examines how non-STEM postgraduate students use LLMs in an introductory programming course. After attending an AI literacy (AIL) workshop covering generative AI (GAI) basics, ethics, and prompt engineering, participants completed questionnaires and Python exercises. Findings show strong reliance on LLMs, often with uncritical acceptance of their outputs. The results underscore the need to embed AI literacy into non-STEM curricula and promote a model of augmented intelligence, encouraging critical, ethical collaboration with AI systems.