eCOTS 2026: Breaking the Syntax Barrier
Empowering Students to Code in Any Language
eCOTS 2026
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Presenters
Kat Husar and Marie Neubrander are PhD student in the Department of Statistical Science at Duke University.
Abstract
As instructors, we must equip students with the credentials needed for an increasingly competitive job market. Many graduates hesitate to apply for roles because they fear learning a new programming language or feel “rusty” in a specific environment. We can proactively address this “fear of the new” by using AI to demonstrate linguistic parallels. Knowing that linear_model.LinearRegression() in Python performs the same function as lm() in R should be an easy transition, yet syntax differences often become a psychological barrier. This breakout session demonstrates how to build AI prompts that convert code between languages, helping students gain confidence across diverse environments. We will discuss which student groups benefit most from these activities and explore strategies to encourage deep, independent learning, ensuring AI acts as a bridge to mastery rather than a permanent crutch for translation.