In this project, students develop chatbot assistants. To start they learn about natural language processing models. Afterwards, they interact with a bot to recognize how it communicates with humans. Next, they create simple rule-based chatbots in Scratch to gain an understanding of how a computer can seem intelligent. Next, students design a conversational chatbot using Bot Libre, a free open-source software. Their bot will be trained to answer common questions that a new student or parent may have about their school. For example, it will be able to chat about school hours, clubs, sports teams, and more! Upon completion, they will deploy their chatbot.
- Chatbot Lessons for Students
Transform students into chatbot developers. They build virtual assistants that can answer common questions and complete simple tasks.
- Fun Artificial Intelligence Activities for Kids
Lessons encourage students to consider the practical applications of AI, as well as its strengths and limitations.
- Free, Open Source Software
Use Scratch and Bot Libre to build chatbots.
Session 1: Introduction to Chatbots
Students explore the practical applications of chatbots. They interact with chatbots to recognize how they communicate with humans. This exploration includes a critical examination of their strengths and limitations. Later, they prepare to create their own chatbots by registering for a Scratch account. This will be used in upcoming Sessions to build an event and order chatbot. To extend learning, an optional activity provides insight into key historical moments in chatbot development.
Session 2: Create an Event Chatbot
Students build a chatbot for an upcoming school event using Scratch. It could be a prom, school dance, talent show, or retirement party. The chatbot will answer attendees' questions. To make the bot appear intelligent it uses if-then logic and keyword matching. Upon completion, students evaluate their chatbot's limitations. An optional activity about artificial intelligence will expand students' knowledge of this technology.
Session 3: Code an Order Chatbot
Students create an order chatbot using Scratch. It is a transactional chatbot, which can do one action. It will simplify a task at the school by taking custom orders for items such as hats, jerseys, candy grams, or flowers. Just like a real salesperson, the bot will ask questions to help the customer make purchasing decisions. It will store their answers in a list. At the end of the conversation, the customer will be able to edit and then submit their order. This task expands students' knowledge of the practical applications of chatbots. In addition, it also introduces the use of if-else logic, broadcasting, and lists.
Session 4: Design a School Assistant
Session 5: Build a School Assistant
Session 6: Deploy the School Assistant
Optional Chatbot and Artificial Intelligence Lessons
- Chatbots in the Real World: Test business chatbots.
- History of Chatbots: Recognize importance of events.
- AI Chatbots and You: Critically think about LLM.
Develop Text-Based Chatbots
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Recognize technologies that make a chatbot seem intelligent
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Describe the practical applications of chatbots
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Evaluate the strengths and limitations of chatbots
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Predict user questions and how they will phrase input
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Design chatbots that answer questions and do tasks
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Apply keyword matching to respond to inquiries
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Trigger responses using if-then logic
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Store values using variables and lists
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Collaborate to improve chatbot design
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Deploy a chatbot