Integrating Generative AI in Hackathons: Opportunities, Challenges, and Educational Implications

TL;DR

This paper examines how generative AI influences hackathon activities, highlighting opportunities and challenges, and discusses educational implications through a case study of the 2023 University of Iowa Hackathon.

Contribution

It provides a novel analysis of generative AI's role in hackathons, emphasizing educational impacts and proposing strategies for ethical integration.

Findings

AI enhances innovation and learning in hackathons

Ethical challenges arise from AI integration

Strategies for balancing innovation and ethics are proposed

Abstract

Hackathons have emerged as pivotal platforms in the software industry, driving both innovation and skill development for organizations and students alike. These events enable companies to quickly prototype new ideas while offering students practical, hands-on learning experiences. Over time, hackathons have transitioned from purely competitive events to valuable educational tools, integrating theory with real-world problem-solving through collaboration between academia and industry. The infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is now reshaping hackathons, providing enhanced learning opportunities while also introducing ethical challenges. This study explores the influence of generative AI on students' technological choices, focusing on a case study from the 2023 University of Iowa Hackathon. The findings offer insights into AI's role in these events, its educational impact, and propose strategies for integrating such technologies in future hackathons, ensuring a balance between innovation, ethics, and educational value.