  Enhancing interaction and feedback collection in a first-semester computer
science course poses a significant challenge due to students' diverse needs and
engagement levels. To address this issue, we created and integrated a
command-based chatbot on the course communication server on Discord. The
DiscordBot enables students to provide feedback on course activities through
short surveys, such as exercises, quizzes, and lectures, facilitating
stress-free communication with instructors. It also supports attendance
tracking and introduces lectures before they start.
  The research demonstrates the effectiveness of the DiscordBot as a
communication tool. The ongoing feedback allowed course instructors to
dynamically adjust and improve the difficulty level of upcoming activities and
promote discussion in subsequent tutor sessions. The data collected reveal that
students can accurately perceive the activities' difficulty and expected
results, providing insights not possible through traditional end-of-semester
surveys. Students reported that interaction with the DiscordBot was easy and
expressed a desire to continue using it in future semesters. This responsive
approach ensures the course meets the evolving needs of students, thereby
enhancing their overall learning experience.
