Navigating Compiler Errors with AI Assistance -- A Study of GPT Hints in an Introductory Programming Course

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We examined the efficacy of AI-assisted learning in an introductory programming course at the university level by using a GPT-4 model to generate personalized hints for compiler errors within a platform for automated assessment of programming assignments.

• The control group had no access to GPT hints.
• In the experimental condition GPT hints were provided when a compiler error was detected, for the first half of the problems in each module.
• For the latter half of the module, hints were disabled.