# Integrating Generative AI in Hackathons: Opportunities, Challenges, and Educational Implications

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.17434 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.17434/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 10 of its 46 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 30 Jan 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 10 of 10)

- [The Robots are Here: Navigating the Generative AI Revolution in Computing Education](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.00658/) (2023)
- [A Comprehensive AI Policy Education Framework for University Teaching and Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.00280/) (2023)
- [The Effects of Generative AI on Computing Students' Help-Seeking Preferences](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.02262/) (2024)
- [Generative AI in Computing Education: Perspectives of Students and Instructors](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.04309/) (2023)
- [Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Intelligent Assistant for Personalized and Adaptive Learning in Higher Education](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.10892/) (2023)
- [Performance of ChatGPT on the US Fundamentals of Engineering Exam: Comprehensive Assessment of Proficiency and Potential Implications for Professional Environmental Engineering Practice](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.12198/) (2023)
- [Platform-Independent and Curriculum-Oriented Intelligent Assistant for Higher Education](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.09294/) (2023)
- [IowaRain: A Statewide Rain Event Dataset Based on Weather Radars and Quantitative Precipitation Estimation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.03432/) (2021)
- [Integrating AI and Learning Analytics for Data-Driven Pedagogical Decisions and Personalized Interventions in Education](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.09548/) (2023)
- [A Generalized Web Component for Domain-Independent Smart Assistants](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1909.02507/) (2019)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Hackathons have emerged as pivotal platforms in the software industry, driving both innovation and skill development for organizations and students alike. These events enable companies to quickly prototype new ideas while offering students practical, hands-on learning experiences. Over time, hackathons have transitioned from purely competitive events to valuable educational tools, integrating theory with real-world problem-solving through collaboration between academia and industry. The infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is now reshaping hackathons, providing enhanced learning opportunities while also introducing ethical challenges. This study explores the influence of generative AI on students' technological choices, focusing on a case study from the 2023 University of Iowa Hackathon. The findings offer insights into AI's role in these events, its educational impact, and propose strategies for integrating such technologies in future hackathons, ensuring a balance between innovation, ethics, and educational value.