AI Transforms Coding Assessments by Focusing on Problem-Solving
A professor has reimagined traditional coding assessments by shifting focus from syntax to problem-solving conversations with AI. Instead of hours spent debugging code, students now collaborate with Gemini in Google Colab, using the AI as a personal tutor. The AI suggests code alternatives, but students must critically evaluate, question, and justify their modeling decisions. This approach fosters meaningful human-AI teamwork, where the key skill is exercising judgment over AI recommendations.
To assess this new method, the professor conducts verbal interviews where students defend their choices, troubleshoot issues, and identify potential flaws in the AI's suggestions. Behind the scenes, tools like Gemini Canvas and Gemini Notebook help evaluate student work at scale. Balancing roles as a professor and Chief Digital Officer, the educator emphasizes that AI is not replacing learning but redesigning it to build lasting human capabilities rather than tech dependency.