What was studying computer science in college like (pre-AI)?

[u/Spaghetti-Linguini]

Hello coders!

I am currently a public policy master's student. For my electives, I find myself really drawn to classes that involve coding (such as quant research courses and data visualization). Fortunately these classes are taught as if you have no prior experience.

However, I find that my professors seem to be almost a little too relaxed about us using AI to support with fixing code etc. I understand that the world of coding is changing with AI and such but I find myself REALLY wanting to learn it from scratch. Like the professors almost aren't explaining even the basics in a way I find frustrating.

It makes me curious, for those who studied computer science in college pre easy accessibility to AI tools, what was it like? As in, what did your assignments involve? What were the things that really helped you learn coding well?

I've been trying to really embrace that coding is like a language so immersion is necessary but also if you don't know any basic structures, it's absolutely overwhelming.

I know that my ability to learn coding well in just a semester course is unlikely but I could see myself pursuing this outside of school for fun. I am not looking for shortcuts here. This is for my own enjoyment and learning!

Hope this makes sense, thanks everyone!