The future of computer-aided education

Chris Piech is a professor of computer science who studies how computers can help students learn. In comparing human- and computer-aided education, he says humans are great one-on-one, but AI is more consistent at grading and feedback. He and colleagues have created several generative AI grading apps to take advantage of these relative strengths, as he tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Christopher PiechStanford Coding Program: Code in PlaceConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Russ Altmans introduces guest Chris Piech, a professor of computer science at Stanford University.(00:01:50) Defining Coding and Its ChallengesWhat coding entails for beginners and the challenges associated with learning to code.(00:03:37) Enhancing Learning with ComputersHow computers and AI can be used to make learning more enjoyable and effective.(00:05:12) Human Connection in EducationThe significance of teacher-student relationships and how recent learners can be effective teachers.(00:07:02) AI and Coding EducationThe impact of AI on professional coding and how it can enhance the learning experience for new coders.(00:08:48) Joy of ProgrammingThe creative joy of programming and how AI tools can elevate the creation process.(00:11:57) Comparing Human and AI TutorsResults from experiments comparing the effectiveness of human and AI tutors.(00:14:43) Fair and Effective AssessmentChallenges and strategies for fair and effective computational assessment of students' work.(00:16:42) Addressing Bias and Fairness in GradingDemographic fairness in grading algorithms and the potential biases in different subjects.(00:20:52) Interactive and Unstructured FeedbackUsing AI to provide feedback on unstructured and interactive student work, like games and apps.(00:25:30) Expanding Beyond Academic TestsApplication of AI in non-academic assessments, such as medical tests, to improve accuracy and efficiency.(00:27:42) Generative GradingIntroduction to generative grading, where AI generates potential misconceptions to help with grading and feedback.(00:31:37) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.