WORCESTER, MA – August 18, 2025 – Quinsigamond Community College is empowering faculty to pursue research, while inspiring campus-wide academic excellence and community belonging through its Scholar-in-Residence program. QCC Professor of Computer Science Hao Loi was selected as the 2025/2026 Scholar to conduct research on how artificial intelligence tutoring tools impact student success in computer programming courses.
The Scholar-in-Residence program is a faculty development initiative that selects one faculty member each academic year to conduct a research project, foster a research community through presentations, and integrate their findings into the existing curriculum.
Loi’s research project examines the integration of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's LLM Tutor, known as PyTutor, in QCC's Introduction to Python Programming course. The study specifically focuses on how AI-assisted learning affects first-generation college students and non-traditional learners, who often balance work, family responsibilities and academic demands.
According to Loi, early observations suggest that PyTutor, combined with peer tutoring and additional support sessions, helps level the playing field for students who might otherwise struggle with programming concepts.
“I have already heard from students that it makes them feel like they belong in the class and that they really can succeed. They are more willing to try things out and work through problems on their own,” commented Loi.
PyTutor provides students with instant feedback on coding problems, offering hints and guidance without simply providing answers. The tool allows students to work through programming challenges at their own pace and on their own schedule, a critical feature for community college students who often have time constraints.
"The key is using AI in ways that support real learning without replacing important thinking and interaction. When used thoughtfully, AI can make learning more accessible and more inclusive," Loi said. "But we have to stay focused on what is best for students."
The mixed-methods research study will assess PyTutor's effectiveness in improving student comprehension, boosting retention rates and fostering success in STEM pathways for community college students.
Findings from the study will inform curriculum enhancements across QCC's Data Science Certificate program, Computer System Engineering Technology and Computer Science degree tracks. The research aims to align course offerings with current industry trends and workforce development needs.
“Our faculty are uniquely gifted teachers and scholars. QCC’s Scholar-in-Residence program fosters faculty engagement and support for their academic research. Faculty members develop or expand upon their academic research with the intent to publish or present at a regional or national conference as well as on our campus,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kathy Rentsch. “I am incredibly proud of the breadth and depth of scholarly work going on across our campus and look forward to promoting Dr. Loi’s work in the coming academic year.”
Loi plans to publish the results in peer-reviewed educational technology journals, as well as hold monthly faculty workshops focused on AI integration in education. He will cover topics such as ethical considerations and hands-on implementation strategies.
"These kinds of opportunities are huge for teaching faculty like me," Loi said. "We don't always get a lot of time to step back and dig into a project or really explore something new in our teaching."
The Scholar-in-Resident program started in 2022. Previous scholars were Professor of English Michael Gormley, Professor of History Dr. Benjamin Wendorf, Professor of English Dr. Mark Bates and Professor of Sociology Dr. Teresa Varriale-Gonzalez.