A systematic review of the impact of GenAI on learning performance, AI hallucinations, and problem-solving in computer science education

This systematic review synthesizes 64 empirical studies to examine how Generative AI (GenAI) shapes learning in Computer Science Education (CSE), particularly in programming, debugging, algorithmic reasoning, and computational problem-solving contexts. Grounded in Constructivist, Sociocultural, Cognitive Load, Adaptive Learning, and Metacognitive Learning theories, the review adopts an integrative perspective to analyze how GenAI-driven adaptivity, AI output qualities, hallucination dynamics, and cognitive–affective regulation influence learners’ interpretation, cognitive processing, and learning outcomes. Findings reveal a dual impact of GenAI in CSE. On the negative side, hallucinated or misleading outputs can increase extraneous cognitive load during programming and debugging and promote over-reliance on system-generated content. They may also perpetuate inequities due to limited access in low-resource settings or insufficient support for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. These effects can disrupt error detection, self-monitoring, and problem-solving, leading to impaired learning performance, and widened educational disparities. On the positive side, when embedded within structured, equitable, and pedagogically grounded environments, GenAI supports reflective programming practice by promoting self-monitoring, verification, and strategic adjustment, thereby enhancing problem-solving skills, engagement, and personalized learning outcomes. By framing learning performance, hallucination dynamics, and problem-solving as interconnected dimensions of GenAI-supported computing education, this review provides a theoretically coherent and pedagogically grounded lens for understanding how GenAI reshapes learning in CSE. The review’s novelty lies in its integrative conceptual framework, offering actionable insights for designing equitable, cognitively balanced, and instructionally effective GenAI-supported learning environments.