I'm currently in my first semester of computer science, taking a programming course that has an assignment worth 30% of our grade. The task involves writing Python functions and using lists, but I'm really struggling to grasp it while it seems like everyone else in my class is managing just fine. The assignment is due tomorrow, and I'm feeling stressed about whether I should rely on ChatGPT for help or just take the grading hit. If I can't handle this fundamental material now, what does that say about my chances as the coursework becomes more challenging in the future?
10 Answers
During office hours, you can get help, and if that's not enough, see what online resources can help. If it still feels too overwhelming, asking for a late submission could be better than risking academic dishonesty. If you find yourself in too deep, it might be a sign to reconsider your major.
Honestly, the best route might just be to use ChatGPT, tweak the results to make it your own so it’s less recognizable, and promise yourself to do better next time. Just keep in mind many are in the same boat as you this semester.
Really, only half? :p
Using ChatGPT for guidance is smart, as long as it's asking for explanations instead of full solutions. Get step-by-step insights from it.
I’d recommend reaching out to your TA to see if you can get some support. They might even grant you an extension if you've been trying hard. Relying on ChatGPT for the actual assignment can really set you back in the long run since you'll miss out on key learning, plus you risk failing the assignment if they catch you.
Do you think it's better to use ChatGPT just to figure things out, and then redo the assignment later? I feel like I could at least get partial credit with some hard work after that.
This! Definitely ask your TAs for help, and look into joining a study group.
Consider using ChatGPT for guidance instead of having it do the coding for you. Understanding what you're turning in is crucial to avoiding any complications later.
If ChatGPT isn’t permitted, you should probably take the loss on this one. Accept responsibility and don’t dig a deeper hole. I recommend learning from this experience; it's tough but it can help you improve in the long run.
What specific aspect are you having trouble with? We might be able to give you targeted advice to help you sort it out.
Just a heads-up, not getting started earlier is a big reason many struggle. Next time, try to kick things off sooner and best of luck with this!
Listen, cheating is pretty common in college, even without ChatGPT around. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Failing can teach you a lot more than cutting corners. You'll learn a lot from tackling the tough stuff, even if it feels rough right now.
Well, I did use it for part of the assignment but then scrapped it to try again by myself. Does that mean I still technically cheated?
I really wouldn’t suggest using ChatGPT. If your professors discover you did, it could put you in a tough spot.
I've kept up with the homework assignments, but this task is way trickier than what we've seen before. It's a split assignment, and I'm stressing about how I've already struggled with Part A and only have a night left for Part B.