The Impact of ChatGPT in Learning Programming Skills among IT Undergraduates in Jordan

Abstract

This study aims to verify whether students’ performance in programming is affected by using ChatGPT as an assistant tool during learning Java basic skills. To achieve the objective, the researchers used the quasi-experimental design. The sample is (66) undergraduates in Information Technology College in a public university in Jordan; Thirty-three learners in the experimental group and thirty-three learners in the control group. The two groups were taught programming skills in computer labs for (15) weeks during the 2nd term on 2024. The students in the control group were asked to solve coding practices referring only to the textbook and their notes, they didn’t have access to the Internet during classes. While the students in the experimental group were allowed and encouraged to use ChatGPT to solve same coding practices. To measure the students’ performance in programming, pre-tests and post-tests were applied before and after the treatment. The findings demonstrate that following treatment, the experimental group students' performance improved noticeably. Understanding the positive aspects of ChatGPT, the researchers recommend integrating it into programming courses in universities in a thoughtful manner to fully benefit from its features so positively impact the educational process.