Using AI for Role-Playing Simulations

Overview

Students engage in a simulated role-playing activity where AI acts as an imagined colleague, manager, peer, or another relevant role.

Why Use This?

Role-playing activities help simulate authentic scenarios and encourage critical thinking to address complex issues. Using AI allows students to adopt various roles themselves and practice prompting AI to take on specific personas as well. This approach also invites reflection on the authenticity of AI’s responses and the overall value of the activity, encouraging deeper engagement with the course material.

How Does It Work?

Students begin with a detailed prompt from the instructor that asks the student and AI to assume specific roles, such as a manager interviewing a client or a healthcare professional triaging calls in a busy hospital department. Roles can be tailored to address specific learning outcomes, such as assessing skills in a given field.

The student then engages in “conversation” with the AI until they meet an established goal for the activity (for example, completing a full interview or triaging at least five emergency calls). After completing the activity, the student submits a transcript of the AI conversation and a reflection on the experience.

Keep In Mind

• Make sure your prompt is specific and you have clear goals for the activity.
• Use this activity to allow students to practice skills they’ve learned in a low-pressure environment before they’re asked to face a higher-stakes audience like their peers, instructor, or professional colleagues.
• A role playing example (triage phone calls for nursing) can be found at AI Pedagogy Project.