Artificial intelligence-supported activities in programming language learning: An action research

Programming is the process of performing operations or solving problems on computers as a combination of algorithmic step-by-step instructions or sequences of instructions. Many people think that these programming operations are very difficult to learn, but in fact, concepts such as data structures and sorting algorithms are inherently difficult to learn and understand. In this thesis, an innovative and different teaching method was developed for the topics that are difficult to understand by students learning programming languages, using chatbot-assisted teaching activities. Using chatbot, activities were implemented for the difficult concepts and topics, and as a result, chatbot-student interactions were analyzed. A total of 50 vocational high school students (37 male and 13 female) and 17 information technology teachers participated in this study, which used participatory action research method. Students' chatbot correspondence, chatbot feedback, and students' opinions were analyzed using content analysis method. The results showed that students liked the use of chatbots in programming learning, found it useful, saved time, and that chatbot feedback facilitated their studies. However, it was also observed that they were worried about the chatbot and needed a teacher (mentor). According to the opinions of computer science teachers included in the study, it was found that the learning activities developed with the support of artificial intelligence were different and effective activities in a way that teachers did not design. It was concluded that more active use of chatbots in the educational process would be easier for both students and teachers. According to the results, it was found that students' and teachers' feedback on teaching with chatbots was positive. On the other hand, the study revealed issues such as students going off-topic and being easily distracted during learning, the emergence of security concerns as a result of their interaction with artificial intelligence, and the importance of ethical elements in such applications. It is believed that this study on the use of artificial intelligence (chatbot) in education will contribute to the literature in terms of innovative methods and teaching strategies in programming language learning.