Sat 21 Feb 2026 14:50 - 15:00 at Meeting Room 241-242 - Lightning Talks #3

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT become more common, their role in computer science (CS) education continues to evolve, especially in large courses with time-limited assessments. This lightning talk presents an observation from a large-scale (over 300 students) introductory software design and engineering course at a university in the Southeastern United States. During a 30-minute, open-notes assessment where students were allowed to use generative AI, they were asked to extend one user story in an existing codebase they had previously built for the course. The task followed an all-or-nothing grading approach that required a fully functional user story implementation for credit. Although students often support using AI for learning, their reactions revealed a gap between what they expected AI to do and the actual thinking required to solve real problems quickly: Some students even expressed frustration, noting that AI tools offered little help under time pressure. To close the experience, we held a reflection lecture where students analyzed the role of AI as a tool and discussed its purpose in supporting augmented intelligence rather than replacing human reasoning. This case illustrates how assessment design can expose the limits of generative AI as a learning aid and highlights the importance of helping students build awareness of time, effort, and reflection when using these tools. The goal of this talk is to share these insights, invite discussion on AI use under time constraints, and explore how students adapt or resist adapting when AI cannot “think fast enough” for them.

Sat 21 Feb

Displayed time zone: Central Time (US & Canada) change

13:40 - 15:00
13:40
10m
Talk
A Handshake, not a Hug: Our Approach to AI in a CS1 Course
Lightning Talks
Isaac Wang James Madison University
13:50
10m
Talk
Beyond Traditional Exams: Student-Created Podcasts for Collaborative Learning in Computing Education
Lightning Talks
Pedro Guillermo Feijóo-García Georgia Institute of Technology, Lucas Guarenti Zangari Georgia Institute of Technology
14:00
10m
Talk
Code reading instruction: essential in the age of generative AI
Lightning Talks
Adriana Picoral University of Minnesota
14:10
10m
Talk
Envisioning the Algorithms "Textbook" of the Future
Lightning Talks
14:20
10m
Talk
Focused Tutors: assigning custom, targeted chatbots to students
Lightning Talks
Mark Liffiton Illinois Wesleyan University
14:30
10m
Talk
In-Person Residency Impacts on Broadening Participation in Computing: A Case Study of a CS Bridge Program
Lightning Talks
Emma Bartnick Northeastern University, Brianna Dym Northeastern University
14:40
10m
Talk
Tracing Code Through History and Time: Unplugged Computing Across K–16 ClassroomsK12
Lightning Talks
Margaret Menichella Passaic Public Schools, Ted Samaras Franklin Township Public Schools, Alaina Cannella Hillsdale Public Schools, James Liporace Rockland County Community College, Esther Douglass Hillsdale Public School, Katherine G. Herbert Montclair State University, Rebecca Goldstein Montclair State University, Thomas Marlowe Seton Hall University
14:50
10m
Talk
When AI Meets the Clock: Rethinking Learning and Assessment in Large-Scale Computing Courses
Lightning Talks
Pedro Guillermo Feijóo-García Georgia Institute of Technology, Lucas Guarenti Zangari Georgia Institute of Technology, Fisayo Omojokun Georgia Institute of Technology