Using Chatbots to Develop Students’ Communication and Mediation Skills: Experience of Integrating Ready-Made AI Solutions into Academic Courses

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies is opening new opportunities for modernizing higher education, particularly through the integration of chatbots capable of simulating professional scenarios and providing personalized feedback. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of specialized AI tools in developing communication and mediation competencies among undergraduate Management students. The research employed a multi-stage quasiexperimental design, which included: individual testing of four chatbots; expert evaluation of their educational potential; and group-based use of the AI Interviewer chatbot within the module “Career Thinking Development.” Quantitative data were collected through surveys, while qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics and thematic coding. The results demonstrated a moderate increase in students’ self-assessed communication skills in the experimental group compared to the control group (+0.38 points). Qualitative findings indicated reduced anxiety, improved self-presentation, and heightened interest in interactive learning methods. The alignment between expert predictions and actual outcomes further confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed AI-integration model. Overall, the findings suggest that structured implementation of chatbots within academic courses can significantly enhance learner engagement and support the development of professionally relevant competencies in the context of the digital transformation of education.

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