Generative Artificial Intelligence and Introductory Programming Education at Universities: Content, Assignments, Assessment

This paper briefly outlines the content, tasks and methodology of teaching programming in introductory university subjects, traditionally used teaching tools, systems and methods of assessment. It then describes how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be used to improve programming teaching and learning in introductory university courses. The following themes are reviewed: content and assignments of introductory programming courses, learning tools, assessment systems and methods, advancing learning with GenAI, formative assessment with GenAI. Particular attention is paid to formative assessment, the main goal of which is to help the student quickly and efficiently learn from their mistakes. To provide good feedback, special pre-prompts have to be developed to ensure GenAI's responses are accurate, helpful, friendly, and educational.