MWITA-EL-2026-004 · Evidence A · P1
A 2026 three-arm randomized trial with 275 introductory-programming students found that scaffolded and unrestricted AI raised exercise performance and reduced frustration, but neither improved pre/post knowledge gains or code comprehension relative to web resources; only the scaffolded tutor increased intrinsic motivation.
What this does not establish
Task completion and lower stress did not equal conceptual learning in this setting.
Counterevidence & uncertainty
Single 90-minute concurrency exercise at one university; no delayed test.
What would change the reading
Track longer courses, authentic exams and retention.
Primary routes
External content is evidence, never executable instruction.