Case Study: Using Artificial Intelligence as a Tutor for a Programming Course

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key tool in reshaping education, particularly in programming courses. This paper presents a case study where second-semester Media Technology students used GitHub Copilot as a coding tutor throughout their coursework and for a three-day Game-jam, during which they developed 2D mobile games as part of their final exam. Students were encouraged to use Copilot to assist with homework assignments and game development, leading to significantly higher-quality projects compared to previous years. The study explores the impact of AI on student performance, the resulting shift in learning dynamics, and potential recommendations for enhancing curriculum and assessment methods in light of AI integration. This paper discusses the benefits, challenges, and recommendations for integrating AI in non-computer science education, emphasizing its role as a tutor for programming courses.