CodeVaani: A Multilingual, Voice-Based Code Learning Assistant

TL;DR

CodeVaani is a multilingual voice-based assistant integrated into an LMS that helps students learn programming in their native languages, improving accessibility and engagement for non-English speakers.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multilingual speech-driven programming assistant with integrated ASR, code-aware transcription, and code generation, enhancing inclusive programming education.

Findings

Achieved 75% response accuracy in user study

Over 80% of participants rated the experience positively

Supports multilingual interaction in programming education

Abstract

Programming education often assumes English proficiency and text-based interaction, creating barriers for students from multilingual regions such as India. We present CodeVaani, a multilingual speech-driven assistant for understanding code, built into Bodhitree [1], a Learning Management System developed at IIT Bombay. It is a voice-enabled assistant that helps learners explore programming concepts in their native languages. The system integrates Indic ASR, a codeaware transcription refinement module, and a code model for generating relevant answers. Responses are provided in both text and audio for natural interaction. In a study with 28 beginner programmers, CodeVaani achieved 75% response accuracy, with over 80% of participants rating the experience positively. Compared to classroom assistance, our framework offers ondemand availability, scalability to support many learners, and multilingual support that lowers the entry barrier for students with limited English proficiency. The demo will illustrate these capabilities and highlight how voice-based AI systems can make programming education more inclusive. Supplementary artifacts and demo video are also made available.