AI tools are changing the way the tech industry is approaching software engineering.

At CYF we have found that AI tools are changing the way people learn, for example:

• Making concepts easier to understand, explaining ideas back to the learner.
• Generating code to solve problems.
• Using AI to complete large portions of projects.
• Asking difficult questions.
• Generating written work, emails etc.

Some of these changes have made learning more accessible to people which is great! But other impacts have taken away the “processing” needed for picking up a new skill, and often can lead learners to incorrect implementation without them knowing.

To enable people to learn the fundamental skills needed to land good jobs in tech, we have to provide guardrails and guidance on acceptable AI use throughout our courses.

AI Use Guidelines

Read our full set of AI guidelines.

These guidelines should outline how acceptable AI use changes as we progress through the courses, from ITD all the way to Launch. The reason these guidelines change across the courses is because we find AI use is more accurate when we have the skills to question, re-prompt, and correct AI output. Those stronger core engineering skills are built as learners go through the courses.

Volunteer Cheatsheet

Are you a volunteer who needs a quick reference to help work with students using AI?

You can also find a shorter “Cheat Sheet” of how to navigate AI usage with trainees across the courses.