Cognitive Skills in the Age of AI: Computing Students and Experts Perceptions

2026-09-25

AI Summary

This study addresses how critical cognitive skills in the computing domain are evolving in the era of artificial intelligence and how future professionals should adapt. Employing a mixed-methods approach comprising questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, this work systematically compares students’ and experts’ perceptions regarding the importance of cognitive skills across past, present, and future contexts for the first time. The findings reveal an evolutionary trend wherein the anticipated importance of most cognitive skills declines within AI-driven environments, while simultaneously establishing the irreplaceable centrality of critical thinking. By delineating these dynamics, this research provides empirical evidence and actionable recommendations for talent cultivation strategies tailored to the AI era.

Abstract

AI is becoming increasingly integrated into daily workflows, especially in computing. We are gradually shifting towards an AI-rich future, an impending yet unknown one. One important emerging concern is whether we are accordingly preparing our future computing workforce. Further, we need to know what the important cognitive skills are to remain relevant in the computing workforce and if there are changes in cognitive skill importance. To investigate this direction, we conducted a mixed-methods study, collecting perceptions from computing students and computing experts regarding the importance of cognitive skills in the past, present, and future. We report that the perceived importance of most cognitive skills will decrease in the future, with an AI-rich environment, but critical thinking skills remain important. Further, we report reasons collected through interviews on why the importance of cognitive skills will change and how future computing students can prepare for it.

Problem

• Cognitive Skills
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computing Education
• Workforce Preparation
• Critical Thinking

Innovation

• Cognitive Skills
• Mixed-Methods Study
• Artificial Intelligence
• Critical Thinking
• Computing Education