Exploring students’ perceptions of generative AI-generated feedback in learning programming

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has gained popularity in various sectors including the education sector, becoming more advanced and widespread. While teachers and institutions may be keen to employ this new technology, whether students share this enthusiasm ultimately determines its success in facilitating learning. Therefore, this paper seeks to understand 15–16-year-old computing students’ perception of using a GenAI Chatbot through the theoretical lens of an adapted Technology Acceptance Model. Singapore secondary school students were surveyed on their perceptions on completing a computing task with a GenAI Chatbot. The findings revealed that students perceived the ease of use and usefulness of GenAI positively, which were predicted by their enjoyment and preparation to use GenAI, and their perceived ease of use respectively. Students’ intentions to use GenAI were also predicted by subjective norms endorsing its use and their perceived usefulness of the chatbot. Implications for AI in education are discussed.