The emergence of Large language models (LLMs) is expected to have a major
impact on education. This paper explores the potential of using ChatGPT, an
LLM, as a virtual Teaching Assistant (TA) in an Introductory Programming
Course. We evaluate ChatGPT's capabilities by comparing its performance with
that of human TAs in some TA functions. The TA functions which we focus on
include (1) solving programming assignments, (2) grading student code
submissions, and (3) providing feedback to undergraduate students in an
introductory programming course. Firstly, we investigate how closely ChatGPT's
solutions align with those submitted by students. This analysis goes beyond
code correctness and also considers code quality. Secondly, we assess ChatGPT's
proficiency in grading student code submissions using a given grading rubric
and compare its performance with the grades assigned by human TAs. Thirdly, we
analyze the quality and relevance of the feedback provided by ChatGPT. This
evaluation considers how well ChatGPT addresses mistakes and offers suggestions
for improvement in student solutions from both code correctness and code
quality perspectives. We conclude with a discussion on the implications of
integrating ChatGPT into computing education for automated grading,
personalized learning experiences, and instructional support.

研究论文探讨了在一个初级编程课程中使用 ChatGPT 作为虚拟助教的潜力，并通过比较其与人类助教在一些助教功能上的表现来评估 ChatGPT 的能力。论文结论中讨论了将 ChatGPT 纳入计算机教育中对自动分级、个性化学习和教学支持的影响。