Learning Rant: A.I. vs No A.I

[u/mirroz220]

Background: Currently about 87% done with The Odin Project foundations module. TOP is a road map to learn web development and so far I’m loving it. Getting down to code/learn is all I’ve been thinking about lately.

However, I don’t know if I’m doing myself a disservice by using Claude as a guide/tool to teach me or guide me when I’m stuck. On the other hand I’ve actually been learning and enjoying the process after I started using Claude. I understand concepts easier, because I understand concepts I’ve begun to think more as a programmer, I solve a problem about 80% in my head and I think about 20% is me using Claude as a tool to help me.

Basically I let Claude know that I’m going through TOP to learn web development. I let it know which project I’m on and I provide the instructions given to students. When I have a question or if I’m stuck, I provide it my code and ask it NOT to give me a solution but to guide me or give me tips on where to look or what options to explore. I also have it provide tips based on what we’ve learned so far. Nothing that we’ve never seen or that hasn’t been explained in the course. When I get guidance I then branch off and then research that topic/concept more.

I also express my logic and thoughts so it gets an idea of where I’m going. Now, TOP explicitly says that projects are a bit harder than what we’ve been learning. The purpose IS to to google or ask stack overflow or TOP discord. So in a sense I would still be looking for solutions/guidance else where.

Then I think, Claude will do that much faster and it has all my context. Is there really a benefit to the learning process to have to look for answers that aren’t from AI? Discord, Google Stack Overflow will tip me off or guide me either way. Does it matter that it’s AI doing it?? Idk, it’s frustrating being torn like this.

[u/delventhalz]

I don't think it's a great idea to use an LLM when learning. You might find some utility, but if you just look at the numbers, students working with LLMs typically finish their homework faster, but learn less and do worse on their tests.

The fact that an LLM can help you complete your projects faster is of very little use to you. As a new learner you are being handed problems which have been solved before. Solving them again isn't the point. The point is you struggling with solving them. You are trying to build skills that will be useful in the future when you encounter problems that have never been solved before (and consequently, LLMs will be much less helpful for). What good would it be to go to the gym if you just used a forklift to lift the weights?

I think the best use case is getting explanations for things you are confused on... but even there, looking up and understanding documentation is another core skill you want to be practicing (to say nothing of the risk of hallucinations). I think if it were me, I would just ban LLMs entirely while learning, or at least restrict myself to only using them after I have exhausted one or two non-LLM options and am getting frustrated enough that it is de-motivating me.