For Matthew Walker, a McCombs master’s student and recent UT Austin economics graduate, AI is most valuable when it helps him better understand a challenge rather than simply providing an answer. He uses Claude and ChatGPT to clarify assignments, break down unfamiliar concepts and explore different ways to approach his coursework, giving him an on-demand resource for learning and problem-solving.
AI has been especially helpful as Matthew expands beyond his economics background through his involvement with Longhorn Developers. While working on projects that include back-end and server-based technologies, he uses AI to explain concepts, answer questions and help him navigate topics he has not previously studied. Compared to searching through videos or online forums, AI allows him to get more targeted explanations and quickly identify a path forward.
At the same time, Matthew emphasizes the importance of building foundational skills before relying on AI. His advice is to learn and practice first, then use AI as a tool to reinforce understanding and support the learning process. Whether he is tackling coding challenges, studying course material or drafting emails, he sees AI as a way to save time, improve efficiency and enhance learning without replacing critical thinking.