Procedure

1. Choose an AI Chatbot (see our tech tool card for ideas). Consider modeling this activity as a whole class first, then allowing students to work individually or in small groups. 

2. Either as a class or individually, have students prompt the bot to take on the persona of the desired character. For some ideas, see the attached Sample Prompts and Guide. Things to consider when writing the prompt: 

   • Define the character. Describe the character(s) you wish to simulate a conversation with, naming them, detailing their personalities, backgrounds, and any specific traits or characteristics you would like to highlight.

   • Set the scene. Detail the setting or context of the conversation, whether it's a scene from a book, a historical event, or a completely new scenario you wish to delve into.

   • Provide a conversation framework. Outline how you want the characters to respond, specify topics to avoid, emphasize certain points, and set the communication tone accordingly.

3. Allow students time to interact with the bot. 

4. Afterwards, have students reflect on their experience: Were the AI responses accurate? What did you learn? What questions do you still have? 

Note: While there are other AI apps for simulated character conversations, like SchoolAI or character.ai, there may be paywalls and you may not be able to control the characters’ output as much as with an AI chatbot.