Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence

20 Nov 2023

Throughout this semester there have been a lot of new applications introduced to me, the main application or concept being web design. Now in the beginning of the semester when we first started learning about JavaScript it was not much of an issue learning the language since I have been programming in python for some time before and there were a lot of similarities between the two. However, there have been times during WODs where I reached errors on questions I easily answered using Python, and due to the stress of time I utilized ChatGPT as a “trump card” just in case I was unable to solve the problem before the DNS time. Although I utilized ChatGPT in certain cases during these WODs I did not just purely rely on AI to get me through the WODs. This becomes more evident during our web development WODs where using AI can be more confusing than helpful.

Experiences:

Regarding the experiences assigned for us to perhaps learn a new concept/application or practice our overall programming skills, I did not use AI for 95% of the assignments since I believed that it would defeat the purpose of these experiments. However, there were times when I would be almost finished with an experience and there may be a certain section of the experience where I may need to utilize external sources to try and figure out a solution. Although there may have been times where AI or an external may have been resourced, I made sure to not just copy and paste the code but understand as to why the code worked.

In-Class Practice WODs:

I did not utilize AI at all during these WODs since there would be no point in attending class if all I was to do was use AI to solve the in class practice activities which lead up to the actual graded WOD. However, if I was to use AI then I would utilize it in the same way I utilized it in the experiences, which would be to not just copy and paste the code but understand why it works and further think about where this could be further applied in my own programming projects or in future class assignments.

Essays:

I did not utilize AI when writing essays in this class however, I will mention that AI has been useful for me outside of ICS 314.

Final Project:

Regarding my portion of work in our Flea Market project, I have utilized ChatGPT a couple of times to get a baseline understanding of how I should design a certain page or intricacy of whatever I’m working on. I’m sure as I progress throughout this project I will continue to utilize ChatGPT along with my own work, because perhaps the most important thing out of using ChatGPT is understanding why its answer may work or may have not worked.

Learning a concept / tutorial:

Utilizing AI to learn a new concept or to learn snippets of code that may be confusing has been something that I have been doing for a while now. There may be times where trying to understand a snippet of code may be too confusing or may be completely new to you, and copying that snippet of code into an AI system can really help clarify anything that might not make sense to you. I believe that using AI only after you have fully read up on a new concept or completed a new tutorial is when it can be really useful, almost like a professional chef using the best tools available.

Answering a question in class or in Discord:

I will never use AI to answer a question in person or through discord, because I believe that as human beings it is crucial that we express our own ideas, answers, opinions and to not just rely on external sources for answers to things we don’t know. If my own personal answer was wrong then I will learn from it. This philosophy changes when it comes to understanding concepts during individual work.

Asking or answering a smart-question:

The same ideas as “Answering a question in class or in Discord”.

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

While we were learning the underscore library for JavaScript I utilized this form of questioning to ChatGPT because some of the underscore functions were quite obscure to me and asking ChatGPT really helped me to clear up any confusion I may have had on a certain operation regarding any topic.

Impact on Learning and Understanding:

ChatGPT has impacted my learning in a positive way most of the time due to the way in which I utilized it. I tried not to just rely on AI when doing homework since it would defeat the purpose of trying to be a better programmer. Also, the incorporation of AI technologies has generally enhanced the understanding of software engineering concepts. AI can simulate scenarios, allowing us to experiment with different approaches and witness the outcomes without real-world consequences. This interactive learning experience contributes to a deeper understanding of abstract concepts and their practical applications.

Practical Applications:

Perhaps the biggest application of AI nowadays is within the gaming industry. An example of this application is the new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series where AI is being implemented to improve frame rate quality while a user plays specific video games. Another very practical application of AI could be in personal projects where one section that may be difficult to solve is immediately solved and explained by the use of AI. This reduces the amount of time a project may initially take while also further the knowledge of the programmer utilizing the AI. A personal example of this is when I first started learning about game development and I began making my first 2D Zelda replica game, and for the longest time I was stuck on character movement and fluidity. But with the use of AI the approach to solving this problem became clear and from there I was able to make tweaks and improvements to the baseline working version ChatGPT gave me.

Challenges and Opportunities

I did not really have any challenges or issues utilizing AI this semester, if anything it helped me become a better programmer and made me work more efficiently.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to traditional teaching methods AI utilizes interactive technologies like virtual labs, simulations, and gamification, has personalized learning experiences that enhance engagement, and has immediate feedback from AI systems that keep students actively involved. Also what can make AI outshine traditional teaching methods is the capacity for AI to make specific content for a students needs, compared to textbooks where all content is taught the same with no changes.

Future Considerations

The future job of man-made intelligence in computer programming training holds extraordinary commitment, driven by expected headways, yet additionally joined by eminent difficulties. Headways are probably going to incorporate customized learning ways, with man-made intelligence fitting instructive substance to individual requirements, and constant versatile appraisals offering prompt input. High level recreations and virtual labs fueled by artificial intelligence will give more vivid active encounters. Moreover, the combination of Normal Language Handling in programming help devices could improve understanding and coding capability. In any case, difficulties, for example, moral contemplations with respect to information protection and predispositions, the requirement for educators preparing to actually coordinate artificial intelligence devices, and aberrations in admittance to innovation should be tended to. Regions for development include finding some kind of harmony between human-computer based intelligence coordinated effort, persistent refinement of calculations, interdisciplinary cooperation for powerful apparatus advancement, and tending to commitment and inspiration issues through inventive instructive methodologies. Exploring these difficulties while embracing headways will be critical for understanding the maximum capacity of man-made intelligence in molding the fate of programming training.

Conclusion

All in all, the combination of simulated intelligence in the Computer programming course presents an extraordinary chance to upgrade opportunities for growth. The potential for customized learning, ongoing evaluations, and high level reenactments holds incredible commitment. To streamline reconciliation, it is pivotal to address moral contemplations, give extensive educator preparation, and guarantee equivalent admittance to innovation. Future courses ought to zero in on a reasonable methodology, utilizing simulated intelligence to expand education, and encouraging persistent cooperation between teachers, technologists, and scientists for continuous refinement and improvement.