Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Ethical AI-Assisted Programming Among Filipino Computer Science Students
Abstract
This study looks at how Filipino Computer Science students understand and handle ethical issues related to AI in programming. With artificial intelligence tools becoming common in coding, like code generators and debugging help students are experiencing big changes in their learning and how they develop software. These tools can make coding faster and help solve problems better, but they also bring important ethical challenges. Issues like academic honesty, data privacy, cybersecurity risks, and the reliability of AI-generated code are significant concerns. One worry is that students might misuse AI tools by submitting work that isn’t their own, not properly checking AI suggestions, or exposing sensitive data. Such actions can harm both the security of information systems and students’ programming skills. It’s essential to check that students are not only technically skilled but also aware of ethical standards when using AI tools. The study used a survey with a structured questionnaire based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) model to measure students' knowledge, attitudes, and actual practices regarding ethical AI. The questionnaire was validated by experts, ensuring its reliability. Results were collected from online surveys and analyzed to identify trends. The findings showed that most students have a good understanding of ethical AI and tend to have positive attitudes about using AI responsibly. Many students also reported good practices, like avoiding plagiarism and being careful with sensitive information. However, there are areas needing attention, particularly in being transparent about AI use in academic work and checking the accuracy of AI-generated code. The study emphasizes the need for better ethical training in Computer Science programs, suggesting that schools should develop clear guidelines to promote responsible AI usage. This will help prepare future developers for the ethical challenges they will face.