My daughter is in her first year of Computer Science, and her school encourages the use of AI for her exams and projects. This leads to situations where a two-hour Java exam, which many students would typically take four to six hours to complete manually, can be significantly rushed with AI assistance. I find this concerning, particularly since the school can control the lab computers and potentially block AI access during exams. My worry is that this approach promotes reliance on AI, encourages overly complex coding that students may not grasp, and that students aren't being taught proper AI use or software design principles. Is this practice a good idea? How do other universities handle AI in their programs?
1 Answer
Using AI in education is becoming essential since many employers now expect students to be familiar with AI tools. Universities realize they can't completely prevent students from using AI, so they let everyone use it to level the playing field. This can feel unfair, but it's crucial for students like your daughter to understand the coursework deeply despite this shift. As long as she comprehends the material and builds a strong foundation, she'll be fine, even with AI assistance.
I hear you, but the focus should also be on teaching design and architecture, not just relying on AI. Schools should emphasize how to think critically when reviewing AI-generated code to ensure students can handle the high-level tasks effectively.