Using Generative Ai To Create Sql Queries: Examining Student Work In An Introductory Database Course

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can be used to create human-quality content, including technical content like programming code. This study describes a major revision of an introduction to database course at Utah Valley University. As part of the revision, students are encouraged to create SQL statements using generative AI. Student performance is compared between those taking the AI version of the course to those taking a more traditional version. Students in the AI sections of the course scored higher on homework assignments and exams. Students in the AI sections also exhibited less variability in performance. The implications of these findings as well as suggestions for future research are also presented.