How to Use AI Role Plays to Maximize Learning Engagement This Term

Want to boost learner engagement with AI? Try starting with role plays.

In a recent session hosted by Jim Wagstaff, Co-Founder of Noodle Factory, educators explored exactly how to set up AI-powered role plays that drive deeper thinking, critical dialogue, and practical skill building. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on that session — plus actionable ideas you can adapt to your own classrooms or training environments.

Why AI Role Plays Work

Role plays have long been a proven way to help learners build empathy, test their knowledge in realistic scenarios, and develop critical decision-making skills.

When combined with AI, they offer:

• Safe, repeatable practice: Learners can run through scenarios multiple times and receive immediate, personalized feedback.

• Data-rich insights: In platforms like Noodle Factory, every interaction is tracked, scored, and tied back to learning outcomes.

• More authentic conversations: With AI acting as a consistent, patient role play partner, students can build confidence before trying skills in the real world.

3 Types of AI-Integrated Assignments

In the session, Jim laid out a practical framework for thinking about where and how to integrate AI. He categorizes learning tasks into three buckets:

1️⃣ AI-Aligned

• Full green light. AI is encouraged as a collaborative partner.

• Examples: Having students brainstorm with AI, draft scenarios, or practice conversations with no restrictions.

• Goal: To extend learning beyond the classroom and show ethical, effective ways to use AI.

2️⃣ AI-Resistant

• Purposely limits AI use. 

• Examples: Assignments that involve hyperlocal or personal contexts that AI can’t easily replicate — like conducting interviews or community observations.

• Goal: Reinforce original thinking and context-rich problem-solving.

3️⃣ AI-Conscious

• Intentional, thoughtful use. 

• Example: Role plays that encourage learners to use AI within clear guidelines, promoting critical reflection on both content and process.

• Goal: Build AI literacy by being transparent about when and why AI is involved.

(Fun fact: Jim credits Mohawk College in Canada for the term “AI-conscious.”)

The Role Play Example: Nutrition Coaching on a Budget

In the session, Jim demonstrated how to build a full role play using Noodle Factory. Here’s how it looked.

📚 Content uploaded: 

An open-source nutrition textbook (Nutrition Science and Everyday Application) was uploaded into the platform. This became a “walled garden,” ensuring the AI only referenced trusted materials — not the entire internet.

🤖 AI role: 

A client feeling tired and needing practical, budget-friendly nutrition tips to boost energy.

🧑‍🎓 Student role: 

A dietitian responsible for asking thoughtful questions, building rapport, and offering evidence-based guidance.

📝 Rubric used for feedback: 

• Understanding of nutrition concepts

• Clarity and structure of advice

• Empathy and communication style

• Practicality and relevance

• Engagement and responsiveness

After the role play, the AI delivered targeted feedback on each rubric point and even assigned a score. In the example, Jim’s “student” performance earned 8.5/10 — with notes on areas he could improve, like summarizing advice more clearly.

How to Set Up Your Own AI Role Plays

Step 1: Upload or connect your content. 

This might be a textbook, case study PDFs, or even LMS pages. In Noodle Factory, you can upload these directly or link to sites.

Step 2: Create your agent. 

Give your AI tutor or partner a persona and avatar (Jim created “Nutra Sensei,” a wise avocado coach).

Step 3: Build your role play. 

• Define the AI’s role (patient, client, interviewee, manager).

• Define the learner’s role (doctor, consultant, job candidate).

• Set up your rubric for feedback.

Step 4: Let students explore. 

Encourage them to repeat the scenario, get fresh feedback, and build confidence.

Step 5: Bring it back to the classroom. 

Close the loop with discussions, group analysis, or follow-up assignments based on what came out of the AI role plays.

Expert Tips from the Session

✅ Start small. Try a single scenario in one unit. Jim set his up in under 10 minutes.

✅ Use rubrics openly. Just like sharing a marking guide, let learners see how they’ll be evaluated.

✅ Mix role plays with quizzes. Have students complete multiple-choice or open-ended questions alongside their AI practice.

✅ Try multiple languages. Even if your content is in English, many platforms allow conversations in other languages — great for diverse classrooms.

✅ Encourage retries. Position role plays as formative assessments. Let students iterate without penalty, learning from feedback each time.

Ready to Get Started?

AI role plays aren’t just about novelty — they’re about building thoughtful, AI-conscious practices that prepare learners for real-world conversations. Whether you’re teaching in higher ed, workplace learning, or coaching professional teams, starting with role plays is an impactful way to use AI this term.

Want a template to help you set up your first scenario? Grab our free role play template here.