2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Enhancing Coding Skills and Learning Efficiency in Engineering Programming Courses by Using AI Tools

Integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini into programming courses, such as the freshman-level Fundamentals of Engineering and sophomore-level Survey of Computational Methods in Engineering, provides students with invaluable support for enhancing their coding skills. One common challenge students face is the correct use of characters and punctuation, which often leads to errors and frustration. This manuscript examines how ChatGPT can help students overcome these obstacles by providing real-time feedback and guidance. In-class examples were used to evaluate the accuracy of code troubleshooting, and student surveys assessed the impact on motivation, engagement, and coding efficacy. Results show that access to AI resources not only improves students' ability to write more efficient code but also significantly enhances their overall learning experience. These tools encourage deeper engagement, fostering independence and confidence in coding. Furthermore, AI support is particularly beneficial for complex topics like loops and subroutines, where students often struggle with logic and procedure. In such cases, AI provides clear guidance, enabling students to make minor corrections efficiently, saving both time and effort. While ChatGPT has its limitations, it remains a highly valuable educational tool for students seeking to refine their coding skills and deepen their understanding of programming concepts.

Authors

Prof. Milad REZVANI RAD University of Southern Indiana [biography]

Dr. Milad Rad is an Assistant Professor in the Engineering Department at the University of Southern Indiana. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta in Canada. Besides his specialization in functional thermally sprayed coatings, he explores innovative AI-driven approaches to enhance student engagement in the classroom.
Dr. Ronald Diersing University of Southern Indiana [biography]

Ronald Diersing is an Associate Professor of Engineering with the University of Southern Indiana. He received his B.S.E.E degree from Purdue University in 2001; M.S.E.E. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Notre Dame in 2004 and 2007. He has been with the University of Southern Indiana since 2007. His research focuses on stochastic control with applications towards structural control.
Ryan Integlia University of Southern Indiana [biography]

Ryan Integlia, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering at University of Southern Indiana, specializes in wearables, robotics, and AI applications in healthcare, wellness and education.
Dr. Julian Ly Davis http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4109-3904 University of Southern Indiana [biography]

Jul Davis is an Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana. He received his PhD in 2007 from Virginia Tech in Engineering Mechanics where he studied the vestibular organs in the inner ear using finite element models and vibration analyses. After graduating, he spent a semester teaching at a local community college and then two years at University of Massachusetts (Amherst) studying the biomechanics of biting in bats and monkeys, also using finite element modeling techniques. In 2010, he started his career teaching in all areas of mechanical engineering at the University of Southern Indiana. He loves teaching all of the basic mechanics courses, and of course his Vibrations and Finite Element Analysis courses.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025