Research on the Application of Online Programming Platforms and Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Programming Education of Prospective Chinese Engineers

This study focuses on the usage of online programming platforms and generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in the programming education of future Chinese engineers. Through a survey of 659 students from different engineering majors, a descriptive-quantitative-correlational research design was adopted to analyze the engagement of students from different disciplines with these tools and the relationship between tool usage and learning outcomes. The research findings show that the usage frequencies of both online programming platforms and GAI are “sometimes”, and there are significant differences in usage frequencies among different disciplines. Students majoring in computer and mechanical engineering have relatively high usage frequencies, while those majoring in electronics and civil engineering have lower usage frequencies. Meanwhile, there is a significant positive correlation between the engagement in the use of online programming platforms and GAI. This research provides references for the curriculum design of programming education, helps to optimize the allocation of educational resources, and promotes the innovative development of programming education.