Programmers Aren’t Obsolete yet: A Syllabus for Teaching CS Students to Responsibly Use Large Language Models for Code Generation

Bruno Pereira Cipriano, Lúcio Studer Ferreira

2025

Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools for automating code generation, offering immense potential to enhance programmer productivity. However, their non-deterministic nature and reliance on user input necessitate a robust understanding of programming fundamentals to ensure their responsible and effective use. In this paper, we argue that foundational computing skills remain crucial in the age of LLMs. We propose a syllabus focused on equipping computer science students to responsibly embrace LLMs as performance enhancement tools. This work contributes to the discussion on the why, when, and how of integrating LLMs into computing education, aiming to better prepare programmers to leverage these tools without compromising foundational software development principles.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Cipriano B. and Ferreira L. (2025). Programmers Aren’t Obsolete yet: A Syllabus for Teaching CS Students to Responsibly Use Large Language Models for Code Generation. In Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-746-7, SciTePress, pages 412-420. DOI: 10.5220/0013438300003932

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu25,
author={Bruno Cipriano and Lúcio Ferreira},
title={Programmers Aren’t Obsolete yet: A Syllabus for Teaching CS Students to Responsibly Use Large Language Models for Code Generation},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU},
year={2025},
pages={412-420},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013438300003932},
isbn={978-989-758-746-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU
TI - Programmers Aren’t Obsolete yet: A Syllabus for Teaching CS Students to Responsibly Use Large Language Models for Code Generation
SN - 978-989-758-746-7
AU - Cipriano B.
AU - Ferreira L.
PY - 2025
SP - 412
EP - 420
DO - 10.5220/0013438300003932
PB - SciTePress