Workshop: Build Your Own ChatBot

Following the success of the Computational Literary Studies (CLS) Training School and the Virtual Reality Workshop earlier this year, CTTR's Digital Humanities Research Group invites you to continue your digital upskilling journey with a hands-on session on ChatBots.

ChatBots—computer programs designed to simulate conversation with human users—are at the centre of current discussions about generative AI. But how much do we really understand about the ways computers engage us in dialogue? This workshop will demystify conversational AI and guide you through the process of designing and building your own chatbot.

Led by Nicola Avery (Digital Learning Design Skills Coach, LDN Apprenticeship, London), the session will include:

• How chatbots have been used to enhance learning experiences
• What students and staff think about them
• What defines a conversation
• Design principles and ethical considerations
• Examples of chatbot design software, including Landbot and BotLibre

💬 Students and ChatBots

Research shows that students spend on average eight minutes interacting with feedback chatbots—similar to the time needed for other forms of feedback collection (Čižmešija, 2022). A large majority find them valuable: 89% consider bots useful for practising tests, and 70.6% believe they help increase engagement with their subject (Pereira, 2016).
However, studies also show that students can be ruder to chatbots than to human equivalents, partly due to a false sense of anonymity. The personality of the chatbot plays a crucial role in establishing empathy and effective interaction (Dibitonto et al., 2018). Conversely, frustration can arise if a bot fails to deliver the information students seek (Molnar & Szuts, 2018).

👩‍🏫 Staff and ChatBots

Once staff become comfortable with technology, many appreciate chatbots for reducing repetitive or bureaucratic tasks, such as answering frequently asked questions or managing assignment deadlines. According to Merelo et al. (2022), such automation can free up time for teaching and research, while also leading to the creation of bots that more directly impact learning outcomes.

🧩 Hands-On Design

In the second part of the workshop, participants will design conversational flows and build their own chatbot. Together, we will also reflect on the ethics of AI and the implications of using conversational technologies in learning, creativity, and communication.

This session is open to students and staff from all disciplines—from the Arts, Humanities to the Sciences. Whether you are curious about digital tools for learning or creative experimentation, this eye-opening workshop will help you understand and shape how AI can converse with the world.

Please bring your own laptop or tablet to the workshop