Amy Pang
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Barbara Ericson
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Computing / Information
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 47
Abstract
Currently, there is research about the frequency with which students use large language model (LLM) resources, the tasks for which students use LLMs, and instructor course policies and integration of LLMs. There is, however, little research regarding the tensions between students’ socioeconomic backgrounds, perceptions, and usage of these resources. Because of how finances and social status may shape students’ upbringing and approach to learning, it is important for instructors and students alike to be cognizant of the possible consequences of these differences while being involved in education. Thus, we analyzed the quantitative and qualitative interview responses from an online survey of students taking an undergraduate level programming course at a public university’s School of Information for correlations between socioeconomic background, attitudes towards LLMs, and LLM usage. The findings from this project will expand upon our understanding of implementing LLMs into undergraduate curriculums by using social and economic circumstances to contextualize certain patterns in LLM usage and beliefs. Our data may also reveal any broader implications LLMs have on exacerbating inequities between students from various socioeconomic groups. Ultimately, this project will encourage a more holistic understanding of broader LLM impacts, particularly on designing course curriculums, and future research to expand upon related topics.
