ChatGPT in Robotics Education: Impact on Student Learning

This lecture discusses the integration of ChatGPT in a graduate-level robotics course and its effects on student learning and performance. The instructor presents research findings based on a study involving 64 MSc students, divided into two groups: those who used ChatGPT and those who did not. The research aims to answer two key questions: how ChatGPT usage influences performance on programming tasks and the different ways students utilize the tool. The findings reveal three distinct student behaviors: 'debuggers', 'conceptual explorers', and 'practical developers'. While the use of ChatGPT improved performance on exercises, it did not necessarily enhance learning outcomes, particularly for students with lower prior knowledge. The lecture emphasizes the importance of understanding how different types of ChatGPT usage affect learning and performance, suggesting that simply using the tool does not guarantee improved educational results. The instructor concludes with recommendations for future studies and potential improvements in teaching methodologies to better integrate AI tools in education.