ERIC Number: EJ1456476
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1740-4622
EISSN: EISSN-1740-4630
Available Date: N/A
AI-Powered Chatbots to Simulate Executive Interactions for Students Performing Stakeholder Analysis
William Neil Littell; Brittany L. Peterson
Communication Teacher, v39 n1 p18-25 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping classroom experiences. In this activity, students in a graduate-level project management class engaged in real-time conversations with AI- powered chatbots as though they were actual people. Students were required to perform a stakeholder analysis on the key stakeholders involved in their project. This analysis was the first step in developing the communication management plan as a component of the project management plan required to execute the project. To execute this student experience, the instructors built artificial intelligence-powered chatbots by utilizing a free online chatbot character generator located online at www.character.ai to interact with students as though they were actual people. These interactions provided a rich student experience with improved depth of interactions as opposed to the traditional stakeholder analysis methods. Ultimately, in this case, the instructors argue that interactions with AI-powered chatbots enrich student learning and foster critical thinking by providing a more authentic experience. Courses: Small-group, business, project management, professional, and organizational communication. Objectives: By the end of this activity, students will be able to (1) perform a stakeholder analysis on an individual to determine the most effective frequency and mode of communication; (2) identify interpersonal dynamics of the individual of interest, such as their power, influence, and authority relative to their project; and (3) describe interpersonal conflicts between the AI-powered individuals to inform the communications management plan.
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, Synchronous Communication, Computer Software, Executive Function, Graduate Students, Business Administration Education, Stakeholders, Communications, Interpersonal Competence, Technology Uses in Education, Learning Activities
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A