Teaching Tip Teaching Undergraduate IS Students Hands-on Generative AI Development Skills

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Information Systems Education

Volume

37

Issue

1

DOI

10.62273/HPDA8033

First Page

1

Last Page

17

Abstract

Generative AI (GenAI) is increasingly essential in the professional workplace, making it crucial to equip students with the necessary GenAI skills. In information systems (IS) education, students often find themselves in a unique position: they may possess a solid knowledge of technology but tend to lack the deep programming expertise of computer science and engineering majors. To address this gap, we developed a series of labs designed to introduce IS undergraduate students to hands-on generative AI development. The labs aim to familiarize students with OpenAI API, teach students to create programs leveraging the API for tasks such text generation, image generation, and transcription, guide students in practicing prompt engineering techniques, and enable students to build web applications powered by OpenAI APIs. We implemented these labs in an upper-level undergraduate IS elective course in 2024 with 93 students. Students reported increased confidence in creating generative AI powered applications and a deeper understanding of the limitations of current models. This teaching tip explores the feasibility and adoption strategies for other instructors interested in incorporating the labs into their courses.

Funding Number

2142783

Funding Sponsor

National Science Foundation

Keywords

Artificial intelligence, Generative AI, Generative AI in teaching, Hands-on project

Department

Information Systems and Technology

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