Presently, coding has become a more popular subject being offered in some schools across North America. We here at the White Hatter applaud this initiative by schools. In fact, Canadian companies are presently trying to hire those trained in technology and coding (1). However, in today’s world of artificial intelligence (AI) “prompt engineering” (learning how to word code using AI) is becoming just as important as learning traditional coding programs such as Python, HTML5, JavaScript, or C++ (2). If schools are not alive to this fact, they may be doing a disservice when it comes to educating students on this topic, and future job opportunities specific to coding skills.
Currently, AI tools primarily serve as assistants for programmers, helping them with routine tasks and spotting errors in code. However, these AI tools are becoming more advanced. For instance, GitHub, a code repository owned by Microsoft, incorporated OpenAI’s GPT-4 model in March that can utilize an AI tool that provides coding suggestions and aids in fixing code using natural language prompts. It can even evaluate different parts of a source code’s functionality.
A survey conducted by GitHub in June showed that 92% of interviewed coding programmers used AI tools in their daily work to boost productivity. (3) As one person stated in this survey “AI coding tools help them meet existing performance standards with improved code quality, faster outputs, and fewer production-level mistakes.”
Is there a possibility that these AI assistants could eventually surpass human programmers? – we shall see! However, recent research published in the journal Science revealed that DeepMind’s AlphaCode AI model performed at a level similar to that of a novice programmer with several months to a year of training (4). In other words, it’s comparable to someone who has recently completed a basic coding education program.
So, what are we attempting to share in this article? – the fate of entry-level coding jobs of the future is uncertain, with some experts predicting that AI could generate simple programs, making “basic” coding by hand less necessary. This has raised questions about the future of coding education and whether the demand for entry-level coders will decrease in the near future.
Presently, AI serves as a valuable aid in coding skill enhancement, yet it should not be mistaken for a complete replacement for the coding expertise, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities found in experienced coders. If you lack a fundamental understanding of coding, then crafting an AI-based code will remain problematic.
Students who are thinking about a career in coding should conduct a thorough assessment of their choices and remain aware of coding developments. Given the ongoing shifts in the technology sector, coding programs at schools should now also incorporate education on the integration of AI prompt engineering into the conventional coding curriculum.
The landscape of coding is undergoing a disruption in response to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and prompt engineering. While coding education has become increasingly popular, thanks to initiatives in schools across North America, it is evident that AI tools are disrupting its ever-expanding role in the actual field of coding. Tools, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, are enhancing programmer productivity and code quality, but the question of whether they will eventually surpass human programmers presently remains an open question.
In this ever-evolving technology landscape, coding education faces new challenges and opportunities. As technology continues to advance, coding educational programs in schools must adapt to these changes while maintaining a solid foundation in traditional coding languages. As we learn to navigate this exciting era of technology and AI, the future of coding remains both uncertain and promising, and it will be shaped by the adaptability of students who choose to embark on this career path. It also places an increased need for educators to receive professional development training specific to prompt engineering so that they can stay current in their lesson plan development.
Students who acquire skills in both traditional coding methods, combined with the skills of prompt engineering utilizing AI, will find themselves in a highly advantageous position when it comes to pursuing coding-related careers in the coming years – schools can play an important role in helping students in this learning process!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-gets-more-aggressive-launches-191404429.html
2/ https://time.com/6272103/ai-prompt-engineer-job/
3/ https://github.blog/2023-06-13-survey-reveals-ais-impact-on-the-developer-experience/
