GenAI "Chatbots" to create interactive and authentic learning environments. A Pilot Study in Medical Education

This session explores the use of the 'BOT' as a tutor or study buddy in a postgraduate programme in the medical school. To reduce cognitive overload and improve knowledge retention among Physician Associate (PA) students AI-powered chatbots were embedded into Team-Based Learning (TBL) sessions via the LAMS platform. Two chatbots were developed; one was an AI-tutor designed to answer questions about pre-class readings and the other was an AI-patient that enabled voice-based interaction to simulate real time patient conversations to improve student communication skills and empathy.

The outcomes are that 77 % of students found the chatbots helpful, accurate and user friendly.

This session is highly relevant to staff interested in using AI-powered chatbots to improve student learning and outcomes, as Brunel launches its own AI-powered chatbot BrunOwl on modules.

Presenter(s) biography:

• Elizabeth Prabhakar (Brunel University Medical School, London, UK) 
• Ernie Ghiglione (LAMS Foundation, Australia) and Natalie Parnis, Lecturer in Team Based Learning

Elizabeth Prabhakar is the Academic Head of MBBS Early Years and an experienced Senior Lecturer. She teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate Neurophysiology at Brunel Medical School. Being passionate about student learning and achievement, the “scientist” in her is compelled to look for solutions when students become disengaged.  As a result, she is keen to embed artificial intelligence tools and digital physiology simulations within the classroom to create authentic and immersive learning environments.  She hopes to transform the student learning experience and is inviting collaborations from Brunel colleagues.

Aims & Objectives