3.
Student Activity
Student Activity: Exploring AI-Powered Coding
Assistants
Objective:
To help students understand and practice using AI-powered coding assistants through hands-on
examples. This activity will guide students through the basic concepts of AI coding assistants,
focusing on Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and code
suggestions.
Time Required:
Approximately 30-45 minutes
Activity Steps
1. Understanding AI-Powered Coding Assistants
Example 1: Basic Code Suggestion
Task: Open a code editor that supports AI coding assistants, such as Visual Studio Code
with GitHub Copilot.
Action: Start typing a simple function in Python, such as def add_numbers(a, b): .
Observation: Notice how the AI suggests completing the function with a return statement
like return a + b .
Example 2: Error Correction
Task: Intentionally write a piece of code with a syntax error, such as print("Hello
World" .
Action: Observe how the AI suggests the correct syntax by adding the missing
parenthesis.
Observation: Accept the suggestion and see the corrected code.
Example 3: Code Block Generation
Task: Write a comment in the code editor, such as # Create a function to multiply
two numbers .
Action: Observe how the AI generates a complete function based on the comment.
Observation: Review the generated code and understand how the AI interpreted the
comment.
2. Exploring Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Coding
Assistants
Example 1: Comment-Based Code Generation
Task: Write a comment like # Function to check if a number is even .
Action: Observe how the AI suggests a function that checks if a number is even.
Observation: Analyze the suggested code and see how it matches the comment.
Example 2: Instruction Interpretation
Task: Write a comment such as # Sort a list of numbers in ascending order .
Action: Observe the AI's suggestion for a sorting function.
Observation: Compare the AI's suggestion with a standard sorting algorithm.
Example 3: Multi-Language Support
Task: Write a comment in a different language (if supported), such as Spanish: # Crear
una función para sumar dos números .
Action: Observe how the AI interprets the comment and suggests code.
Observation: Evaluate the AI's ability to understand and generate code from non-English
comments.
3. Exploring Machine Learning (ML) in Coding Assistants
Example 1: Learning from Patterns
Task: Write a loop structure, such as for i in range(5): .
Action: Observe how the AI suggests common loop operations like printing the index.
Observation: Understand how the AI uses learned patterns to make suggestions.
Example 2: Improving Suggestions Over Time
Task: Write a series of similar functions, such as different mathematical operations.
Action: Notice how the AI's suggestions become more accurate with each function.
Observation: Discuss how the AI improves its suggestions based on repeated patterns.
Example 3: Contextual Code Suggestions
Task: Start a complex function, such as a recursive Fibonacci sequence.
Action: Observe how the AI suggests completing the function based on the context.
Observation: Analyze the AI's understanding of the recursive pattern.
Conclusion
Through this activity, students will gain hands-on experience with AI-powered coding assistants,
understanding how they leverage NLP and ML to assist in coding tasks. By practicing with real
examples, students will see the practical benefits of these tools in enhancing coding efficiency
and accuracy.
Discussion Points:
How did the AI's suggestions help in writing code faster?
What were some limitations or challenges faced while using the AI assistant?
How can these tools be integrated into daily coding practices?
Note: Encourage students to explore different AI coding assistants and experiment with various
programming languages to broaden their understanding.
