Vibe coding challenges reveal AI shifts in student learning

In early 2025, vibe coding challenges took place for four student groups, including 54 ICT students and 24 digital marketing students from Fontys University in the Netherlands, along with 7 journalism students and 22 BA Communication students from North-West University in South Africa. The students shared their thoughts, leading to the discovery of five significant trends: AI tools shifted focus from syntax to more advanced thinking, there was a move away from memorization towards evaluation, students recognized AI skills as vital for their future careers, they saw AI as a partner rather than a replacement, and non-technical students expressed a strong appreciation for accessibility. This report highlights classroom observations and discusses the evolving educational landscape.