Exploring the Integration of Generative AI Tools in Software Testing Education: A Case Study on ChatGPT and Copilot for Preparatory Testing Artifacts in Postgraduate Learning

Software testing education is important for building qualified testing professionals. To ensure that software testing graduates are ready for real-world challenges, it is necessary to integrate modern tools and technologies into the curriculum. With the emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs), their potential use in software engineering has become a focus, but their application in software testing education remains largely unexplored. This study, conducted in the Capstone Project course of a postgraduate software testing program, was carried out over two semesters with two distinct groups of students. A custom-built Travel Application limited to a web platform was used in the first semester. In the second semester, a new set of students worked with an open-source application, offering a larger-scale, multi-platform experience across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Students initially created preparatory testing artifacts manually as a group deliverable. Following this, they were assigned an individual assignment to generate the same artifacts using LLM tools such as ChatGPT 3.5 in the first semester and Microsoft Copilot in the second. This process directly compared manually created artifacts and those generated using LLMs, leveraging AI for faster outputs. After completion, they responded to a set of assigned questions. The students’ responses were assessed using an integrated methodology, including quantitative and qualitative assessments, sentiment analysis to understand emotions, and a thematic approach to extract deeper insights. The findings revealed that while LLMs can assist and augment manual testing efforts, they cannot entirely replace the need for manual testing. By incorporating innovative technology into the curriculum, this study highlights how Generative AI can support active learning, connect theoretical concepts with practical applications, and align educational practices with industry needs.