Designing AI Chatbots to Simulate Real-World Challenges in the Classroom

Presenters: Phillip Olla, Marion J. Tate

Session Description:

Explore how AI-powered chatbots can bring authentic, real-world learning into your classroom. In this interactive workshop, faculty will learn to design chatbot-driven simulations that engage students in conversational role-play, problem-solving, and critical decision-making within safe, reflective environments. These tools foster active knowledge construction, iterative learning, and professional reasoning.

Participants will gain practical strategies to align chatbot scenarios with course outcomes, embed reflective prompts, and assess learning using built-in analytics. By the end of the session, faculty will be equipped to implement student-centered, experiential learning experiences that mirror the complexity and ambiguity of real-life challenges.

Learning Objectives:

1. Design chatbot-driven simulations.
2. Gain practical strategies to align chatbot scenarios with course outcomes, embed reflective prompts, and assess learning using built-in analytics.