Transforming object-oriented Java education: harnessing large language models for enhanced learning

Abstract

With the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education comes a new way of explaining complex programming concepts, particularly in the teaching and learning of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Java. Several studies are exploring the potential of AI technological advancements, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), to address challenges in educating OOP concepts. The problems in understanding OOP mainly arise from the abstractness along with the application of the concepts, which may be overwhelming and difficult for students, especially beginners. Prompt engineering is the central methodology to generate precise inputs to LLMs in order to maximize their educational value. The LLMs can easily adapt to learning needs enabling it to become more individually tailored and hence make abstract concepts more easily accessible and understandable by generating personalized explanations and context-specific examples through carefully tailored prompts. This project addresses the profound effect of prompt engineering in reconfiguring programming education, highlighting its potential to facilitate and empower learners to achieve the proficiency of OOP concepts and programming in Java.