Abstract:

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education is reshaping how students engage with programming and algorithmic problem solving. This study investigates the pedagogical impact of incorporating generative AI tools, specifically GitHub Copilot, Google Gemini, and Amazon CodeWhisperer, within the Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Alicante. These tools were seamlessly integrated into widely used environments such as Google Colab and Visual Studio Code to provide real-time assistance in code generation, debugging, and explanation. The initiative sought to enhance students’ learning efficiency, reduce cognitive load, and foster a deeper conceptual understanding of programming principles through immediate, context-aware feedback.

A quasi-experimental design was applied, comparing an experimental group using generative AI tools with a control group following traditional programming practices. Data were gathered through surveys, productivity indicators, code quality evaluations, and interaction logs. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in students’ efficiency, accuracy, and comprehension, alongside a marked reduction in time devoted to documentation searches and repetitive tasks. Participants also reported higher motivation and engagement, perceiving generative AI as a valuable pedagogical support that complements, rather than replaces, human reasoning.

These results reinforce the educational potential of generative AI when implemented responsibly and ethically. Beyond improving technical performance, its integration fosters reflective learning, creativity, and critical thinking in programming education. Future work will focus on refining instructional strategies, expanding the application of generative AI to broader curricular contexts, and exploring its long-term effects on knowledge retention and skill development. Ultimately, this project contributes to the establishment of an innovative and ethically grounded framework for the effective use of generative AI in higher education.

Keywords:

Generative AI, Programming Education, Artificial Intelligence Learning, Active Learning, Ethical AI Integration.