Research in IST256

Generative AI is transforming computer programming at an unprecedented pace.

Help us understand how to teach it in the AI-age
so we can prepare you for the future of work!

How You Can Help

• Use the IST256 AI chatbot as your preferred AI in this course. https://ai.ist256.com
• Opt-in to the research study: https://forms.gle/Ezfs1CjvoKYXn8be9
• Complete this 3 question demographic survey: https://forms.gle/RPFPxtjhCGVHBKr28

You may opt-in / opt-out of the research at any time. Your participation or non-participation will not affect your grade in this course.

About the Research

This research is being conducted by Michael Fudge, Dr. Bei Yu and Dr. Kevin Crowston here in the iSchool. The purpose of this research is to understand how students use AI tools in an introductory programming course. The results of this research will be used to improve the teaching of computer programming in the AI-age allowing us to better prepare students for the future of work.

This research has been approved by the Syracuse University Institutional Review Board (IRB #24-346).

FAQ

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this research is to understand how students use AI tools in an introductory programming course. The results will be used to improve the teaching of computer programming in the AI-age and better prepare students for the future of work.

Who is conducting this research?

This research is being conducted by Michael Fudge, Dr. Bei Yu, and Dr. Kevin Crowston here in the iSchool.

What does IRB approval mean?

This research has been approved by the Syracuse University Institutional Review Board (IRB #24-346). The IRB is a committee that reviews research studies to ensure that they are ethical and that the rights and welfare of participants are protected.

What Data is Collected?

• Course grades (e.g. lab, homework, exam, project scores, etc.)
• Chatbot usage data (e.g. number of questions asked, types of questions asked, AI responses to your questions, etc.)
• Demographic data (e.g. gender, year of study, first progframming course.)

How is my data protected?

All data collected will be stored securely and only accessible to the research team. Data will be anonymized and aggregated before analysis to protect your privacy. No personally identifiable information will be shared in any publications or presentations resulting from this research.