B8 Synopsis
B8 Synopsis
The field of computer science education faces ongoing challenges in providing personalized
support to students, particularly in introductory programming courses. With increasing class
sizes and the growth of online education, it has become difficult for instructors to offer
individualized attention to each student. This project proposes an AI-powered coding
assistant as a solution to bridge this gap.
Recent advancements in natural language processing and machine learning, particularly the
development of large language models like GPT-4, have opened new possibilities in creating
intelligent tutoring systems. These systems can understand natural language queries,
analyze code, and provide context-aware assistance.
The AI Coding Assistant project builds upon these technologies, with a specific focus on
guiding students through the learning process rather than simply providing answers. This
approach aligns with pedagogical best practices, encouraging students to develop problem-
solving skills and deep understanding of programming concepts.
This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the AI Coding Assistant, its
implementation, and its potential impact on computer science education.
1. Kächele et al. (2019) demonstrated that AI-powered coding assistants can reduce the
time students spend debugging, allowing more focus on higher-level concepts.
2. Li et al. (2021) explored the use of large language models in generating explanations for
code snippets, finding that students who used these explanations showed improved code
comprehension.
3. Garcia et al. (2022) investigated the impact of AI tutors on student engagement in online
programming courses, reporting increased participation and completion rates.
4. Zhang and Kim (2023) examined the ethical implications of AI in computer science
education, proposing guidelines for responsible implementation.
The literature reveals a growing trend in leveraging AI for programming education, with a
focus on personalized learning experiences. However, challenges remain in balancing AI
assistance with fostering independent problem-solving skills.
1. To develop an AI coding assistant using OpenAI's API and a RAG system that provides
hints and suggestions without revealing complete solutions.
2. To implement usage throttling and carefully designed prompts that encourage students to
think critically about programming problems.
4. To establish guidelines for the ethical use of AI in programming education that can be
adapted for other educational contexts.
- Develop prompts and interaction patterns that align with pedagogical goals
- Conduct initial testing with a small group of students and gather feedback
- Analyze the impact on learning outcomes and identify areas for improvement
- Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript or Python using FastHTML and streamlit libraries
6. CONCLUSION
The AI Coding Assistant project aims to address the challenge of providing personalized
support in programming education through the innovative use of AI technologies. By
carefully balancing AI assistance with pedagogical principles, this project has the potential to
enhance the learning experience for students while maintaining the integrity of the
educational process. The outcomes of this project could have significant implications for the
future of computer science education and the broader field of AI in education.
[2] Li, X., et al. (2021). "Using large language models for code explanation in
CS education.”
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