# FAC's new approach (notes for FAC29) --- ### We are throwing a lot at you Don't be disheartened if you are struggling to keep up. There will be time to catch up. --- As you know, we will be opening Space4 up next term for peer learning. (days of the week to be confirmed shortly) --- ### Why are we doing this? The job market has changed in the last year. We are adapting. --- ### What has changed? Aside from current shortage of entry-level roles, the big difference is that generative AI is changing how we learn, how we program, and what we can build. --- ### So, what's the new approach? In short, we are trying to accelerate you to the point where you can start building and deploying interesting AI-powered applications as quickly as possible. --- This is different to the old FAC approach where we only really started building useful and interesting applications after several weeks of apprenticeship training. --- ### Are you sure that's a good idea? Yes, but only if we all make sure that, at the same time, we take time to master the basics by using Execute Program (or something similar). --- To repeat: You need to master the basics. You need to develop a daily Execute Program habit. --- ### So, why do we think the new approach is better? --- 1. You are the first AI-native generation of developers. In this brutal job market, it's your competitive advantage. Embrace it. --- 2. The applications we can build with AI--as beginners and in a few weeks--exceeds the ambitions of most developers c.2022. So, let's get building. --- ### What are the dangers? You get so used to using ChatGPT that you cannot pass a technical interview without it. (Most engineering managers are sceptical about junior devs using generative AI) --- ### The solution? Execute Program. And if you don't understand anything, paste code into ChatGPT for explanations. Ask your peers. Above all, be patient with yourself and persist. --- Also, lots of AI-generated mock interviews. (code writing, as well as reading) --- In short, use AI for learning and for pair programming, build AI-powered projects, but practice coding without AI every day.