A Case Study of Database Systems Acquisition with AI

Presenters: Ruth Guo & Eric Guo, Farhana Mim, Brennan Maracle
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing higher education at an exponent speed by shifting how instructors teach and how students learn. When utilized properly, AI can enhance both teaching efficiency and student learning outcomes. This study examines how AI tools can be integrated into the teaching and learning of database systems, not only to automate tasks but to enhance human intelligence--particularly critical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to pay attention to the details. Using a case study approach, the study analyzes how students interact with AI tools during the course work for “CIS 380: Database Systems I” for undergraduate students. Based on the data collection of two semesters and the data analysis, the findings suggest that when AI is positioned as a cognitive aid rather than a replacement for human beings, it promotes deeper conceptual understanding and supports human intelligence enhancement, such as higher-order thinking skills and performance capability.