Exploring ChatGPT and Learning Science to Build and Understand Programming Knowledge

Course description

Since the introduction of AI tools in fall 2022, we arguably arrived at the end of traditional teaching and learning practices associated with how to code and, at the same time, arrived at the beginning of an exciting and potentially powerful new way to learn how to read and write code. In this workshop, you will take on one month of programming content and shrink it to a mere three days using ChatGPT as our AI tool of choice. Since the research on learning changes with far less frequency than these powerful tools, the workshop begins with some learning theory and research to better understand how to navigate this new learning tool and help ensure successful navigation of inevitable upcoming AI iterations and/or innovation. Using this lens as a framework, you will then explore and practice programming concepts in p5js including variables, functions, loops and more. Along the way, the focus will be placed more on reading and understanding code produced by ChatGPT rather than writing it since ChatGPT has that sufficiently covered. You will also track progress in a daily mini portfolio that includes each day's programming exercise with documentation for what and how you learned using ChatGPT asyour assistant.

By the end of the week, you will come away with knowledge about how people can best learn in complex and changing environments, some formal practice with a powerful AI tool, and some new Javascript knowledge and understanding. As a bonus, you will also take away a mini portfolio that documents all your effort and provides a platform for continued learning. It will be a busy and exciting week!

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This workshop is offered online with one essential synchronous welcome meeting held on Tuesday April 8 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. CST. Otherwise, the workshop will be held asynchronously with office hours by appointment.

Prerequisites

Workshop attendees will need to have some familiarity and practice with p5js and ChatGPT before the workshop.

In addition, attendees should bring a willingness to explore, make mistakes, build an understanding, support others, and showcase their efforts.

Required materials

Hardware

Computer capable of running AI tools. A camera and microphone for the synchronous meeting.

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.