Workshop: Classroom digital transformation: chatbots as Virtual Tutors to strengthen logical and algorithmic thinking in Engineering students

Abstract

This workshop presents a pedagogical innovation based on implementing a "Julius"chatbot to support engineering students in their basic programming courses at Unicomfacauca. Using a seven-step process, the applied methodology guides students in identifying algorithmic elements, such as input and output variables, conditions, and calculations. The Julius chatbot interacts structured, providing immediate and personalized feedback, which contributes to developing competencies in logical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, the workshop explores the impact of this technology across four dimensions, cognitive, pedagogical, social, and emotional, through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Preliminary results indicate that using educational chatbots can facilitate the acquisition of algorithmic skills and improve the learning experience for students without prior programming training.