Encouraging Student Use of AI in CS1: Rethinking Content, Delivery and Assessment

It has been well documented that generative AI tools are capable of solving traditional CS1-level problems as effectively as beginner students. With the addition of this technology as part of the technological landscape, it is necessary to reconsider expectations for CS1 content as well as the pedagogical approaches we choose to adopt. This poster documents the experience teaching a recent course that encouraged students to use a generative AI tool while revisiting four pedagogical tools: Problem-Centric Instruction, Flipped Instruction, Competency Demonstrations and In-Person Code reviews. Not only can AI serve as a catalyst to rethink what it means for students to engage with introductory programming, it also provides an opportunity to revisit some of the pedagogical advancements that we should have been paying attention to all along.