Title: “Improved efficiency in meaningful research”: student perspectives on using a Large Language Model (LLM) for an assignment on professional ethics

Authors: Virginia Grande

Abstract:
In a course with modules on ethics in computing and academic writing, students were given a fictional case to analyze using an ethical process. They first discussed as a group in class, and then used a Large Language Model (LLM) as a discussion partner. This work was to be submitted as a written report containing a reflection not only on the ethical analysis but also on how it was written by both the students and the LLM. In this talk we present how students perceived valuable uses of the LLM and how they welcomed being allowed to use it, as exemplified by a student's remark: “I’m still going to use it and make it look like I didn’t” because it leads to “improved efficiency in meaningful research”. With the example of ethics and academic writing, we aim to ignite discussions on the integration of LLMs in computing education.