Using AI to Learn How to Code

Part 1: Introduction to Programming & AI-Assisted Coding

Description:

Part 1 sets the foundation by introducing the basics of programming and the role of AI in learning and development. Students will familiarize themselves with AI tools like ChatGPT, which will serve as a learning assistant and troubleshooting aid throughout the course.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what AI-assisted coding is and how it can help beginners.
• Learn basic programming concepts: variables, data types, and operators.
• Practice using ChatGPT to understand coding tasks and solve simple problems.

Outline:

1. Lecture:
• Overview of AI in education and programming
• Introduction to basic programming concepts: Variables, Data Types, and Operators
2. Guided Exercise:
• Hands-on with Python: Creating simple programs with variables and basic operations.
• Using AI for assistance: Ask ChatGPT questions about syntax, concepts, and clarifications.
3. Hands-On Lab:
• Exercise: Build a small calculator in Python using basic operators.
• Debugging with AI: Use ChatGPT to identify and fix syntax errors in code.
4. Q&A and Discussion:
• Discuss challenges and questions from Part 1.
• Explore how AI helped in problem-solving.

Part 2: Control Structures and Coding Logic

Description:

The second Part introduces control structures, which are essential for application logic. Students will learn to use conditional statements and loops to control program flow, with AI assistance to guide their learning and troubleshoot errors.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand control structures: if statements, loops.
• Write basic programs using control structures.
• Use AI to debug and enhance understanding of program flow and logic.

Outline:

1. Lecture:
• Introduction to control structures: if, else, elif, for, and while loops.
• Logical operators and conditionals.
2. Guided Exercise:
• Hands-on exercises with control structures in Python.
• AI-Assisted Practice: Use ChatGPT to test understanding and refine logic.
3. Hands-On Lab:
• Mini-project: Write a program to guess a random number.
• Use AI to improve code efficiency and troubleshoot any errors.
4. Q&A and Recap:
• Review common issues in control structures.
• Discuss how AI contributed to problem-solving and logic understanding.

Part 3: Introduction to Functions and Basic Data Structures

Description:

On Part 3, students learn about functions and basic data structures, such as lists and dictionaries, which are essential for organizing and reusing code. AI tools will help explain function parameters, return values, and data structure manipulation.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the purpose and structure of functions.
• Use lists and dictionaries to store and manipulate data.
• Apply AI to understand how to organize code and troubleshoot functions.

Outline:

1. Lecture:
• Introduction to functions: definition, parameters, and return values.
• Overview of data structures: lists and dictionaries.
2. Guided Exercise:
• Write basic functions to perform specific tasks.
• Practice with lists and dictionaries for data handling.
• Use AI to clarify complex code and suggest improvements.
3. Hands-On Lab:
• Mini-project: Build a to-do list application using lists and functions.
• Utilize AI to debug and refine the code.
4. Q&A and Recap:
• Discuss challenges in function creation and data management.
• Reflect on AI's role in code organization and simplification.

 Part 4: Building a Simple Application with AI Assistance

Description:

On the final day, students will apply all the knowledge they’ve gained to build a basic command-line application. AI will be used to assist in planning, coding, and debugging as students create their own mini-projects.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply fundamental programming concepts to build a small application.
• Use AI to plan, troubleshoot, and enhance code.
• Gain confidence in building and debugging a complete application.

Outline:

1. Lecture:
• Application development process: planning, coding, testing, and debugging.
• Introduction to final project options and requirements.
2. Project Planning & AI Assistance:
• Project options: Simple calculator, personal contact manager, or budget tracker.
• Use AI to brainstorm ideas, outline the project, and break down tasks.
3. Project Development:
• Students work on their chosen project with guidance and support from AI.
• Use ChatGPT to solve problems, get coding tips, and receive real-time feedback.
4. Project Presentation & Review:
• Students present their projects to the class.
• Q&A session and final discussion on the benefits and challenges of AI-assisted learning.