James Finnie-Ansley

Papers

Total Citations

403

H-Index

About

James Finnie-Ansley is a leading voice in computing education research, whose work has become essential reading as artificial intelligence reshapes the field. His primary research areas lie at the intersection of AI, natural language processing, and introductory programming pedagogy. Finnie-Ansley’s most impactful contribution is his landmark 2022 paper, “The Robots Are Coming: Exploring the Implications of OpenAI Codex on Introductory Programming,” which has garnered over 400 citations in just a few years. This work was among the first to rigorously examine how large language models like Codex—capable of generating human-like code from natural language prompts—fundamentally challenge traditional methods of teaching programming. By demonstrating that students could leverage AI to complete assignments in ways that bypassed intended learning outcomes, Finnie-Ansley sparked urgent, global conversations about assessment integrity and curriculum redesign. His research has directly influenced how educators worldwide now approach teaching coding in an era of accessible AI tools. Through his timely and provocative scholarship, Finnie-Ansley has established himself as a critical thinker helping the computing education community navigate one of its most transformative moments.