Reflect on Your Use of AI in ICS 314

Objective:

Write an essay reflecting on and analyzing your personal experiences with using AI in ICS 314. Explore how AI tools, methodologies, or concepts have influenced your learning, understanding, and application of software engineering principles.

Start by copying the following markdown template for structuring your essay:

### I. Introduction


### II. Personal Experience with AI:
I have used AI in class this semester in the following areas:

  1. Experience WODs e.g. E18

  2. In-class Practice WODs

  3. In-class WODs

  4. Essays

  5. Final project

  6. Learning a concept / tutorial

  7. Answering a question in class or in Discord

  8. Asking or answering a smart-question

  9. Coding example e.g. “give an example of using Underscore .pluck”

  10. Explaining code

  11. Writing code

  12. Documenting code

  13. Quality assurance 

  14. Other uses in ICS 314 not listed above


### III. Impact on Learning and Understanding:


### IV. Practical Applications:


### V. Challenges and Opportunities:


### VI. Comparative Analysis:


### VII. Future Considerations:


### VIII. Conclusion:

This is not a “free form” essay. You must include the outline above exactly as given and structure your essay according to this outline. Do not delete, rename, renumber or move any of the sections! Respond to each section within the section itself. This is necessary so that readers can identify what you are responding to. For this essay, there is no need to be creative or amusing. Please be candid, factual, and give specific examples from your personal experience. It is ok to express your opinion but do not speak for yourself only e.g. avoid statements like “I believe most of my classmates used ChatGPT to cheat on the WODs”. Note that you are most welcome to use AI to help you write this essay. Of course, if you do, you should mention it in this essay!

Here is more specific guidance in what to write about in each section:

I. Introduction

Begin with an introduction to the role of AI in education and its specific relevance to Software Engineering. Present an overview of the key concepts or tools related to AI that you have used generally and in ICS 314. Mention which AI tools you have made use of e.g. ChatGPT, Bard, Co-Pilot

II. Personal Experience with AI:

Reflect on your personal experiences with AI technologies within ICS 314. Provide specific examples of how you have used AI or explanations as to why you have not used AI (e.g. “I tried it for xxx and found it did not give useful results” or “I thought it important for me to find an answer on my own.”) for each of the following course elements:

1. Experience WODs e.g. E18
2. In-class Practice WODs
3. In-class WODs
4. Essays
5. Final project
6. Learning a concept / tutorial
7. Answering a question in class or in Discord
8. Asking or answering a smart-question
9. Coding example e.g. “give an example of using Underscore .pluck”
10. Explaining code
11. Writing code
12. Documenting code
13. Quality assurance e.g. “What’s wrong with this code <code here>” or “Fix the ESLint errors in <code here>”
14. Other uses in ICS 314 not listed

Be sure give specific examples including what prompts you used. For example:

For the Functional programming WOD I asked ChatGPT “Write a function using underscore to implement the following instructions <WOD instructions here>”

For each example, discuss how useful AI was (or was not useful) and the benefits and costs of using it in each example e.g. “I would not know how to start without ChatGPT, but the result was not exactly what was needed and it took a lot of time with trial and error to get a workable result.”.

IMPORTANT Again, if you did not use AI for a course element listed, discuss why you did not, especially if you tried to use AI but found it not helpful or not worth the effort. Do not simply list “I din’t use AI for this element.”

III. Impact on Learning and Understanding:

Discuss how the incorporation of AI has influenced your learning experience. Consider its impact on comprehension, skill development, and problem-solving abilities. Reflect on whether AI technologies have enhanced or challenged your understanding of software engineering concepts.

IV. Practical Applications:

Explore any practical applications of AI outside ICS 314. For instance, discuss if AI has been used in real-world projects, simulations, or collaborative activities (for example the HACC). Evaluate the effectiveness of AI applications in addressing real-world software engineering challenges.

V. Challenges and Opportunities:

Identify any challenges or limitations you have encountered in the use of AI within the course. Discuss potential opportunities for further integration of AI in software engineering education.

VI. Comparative Analysis:

Provide a comparative analysis between traditional teaching methods and AI-enhanced approaches in the context of software engineering education. Consider aspects like engagement, knowledge retention, and practical skill development.

VII. Future Considerations:

Discuss your thoughts on the future role of AI in software engineering education. Consider potential advancements, challenges, and areas for improvement.

VIII. Conclusion:

Summarize your reflections and insights regarding the use of AI in the Software Engineering course. Conclude with any recommendations or suggestions for optimizing the integration of AI in future courses.

Submission Guidelines:

Post the essay in your portfolio. Format it so that the sections are easy to see (that is, use the outline format above) and the essay is attractive and inviting to read. In Laulima post a link to your essay. Also post the link to your essay in the #ai-essay-urls channel on Discord. The link should be to the essay in your portfolio. Again, you must structure your essay using exactly the outline above.

Assessment Criteria:

• You used the outline above and addressed all the sections even if it’s “I have no experience with this area”.
• You addressed all the section II items 1-14
• Depth of reflection on personal experiences with AI in ICS 314 with specific and detailed examples.
• Critical analysis of the impact of AI on learning, understanding, and practical applications.
• Coherence, clarity, and organization of ideas in the essay
• Demonstrated understanding of AI concepts and their relevance to ICS 314

Note to Students: This assignment provides an opportunity for you to critically reflect on your experiences with AI in ICS 314. It is not meant to judge you or assess your technical abilities and it will not be considered in assessment of your other assignments. Share your thoughts, challenges, and insights to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of AI in education. Ensure your essay is well-structured, supported by examples, and showcases your thoughtful analysis.