An AI-Based Virtual Client for Educational Role-Playing in the Training of Online Counselors

Eric Rudolph, Natalie Engert, Jens Albrecht

2024

Abstract

The paper presents the Virtual Client for Online Counseling (VirCo), a novel system for training online counselors through simulated client interactions. Addressing the rising need for digital communication skills in counseling, VirCo leverages large language models (LLMs) to create a chatbot that generates realistic responses from different client personas. The approach complements traditional role-playing methods in academic training, offering independent practice opportunities without direct supervision. To ensure privacy VirCo’s chatbot interface uses an open-source LLM for response generation. The system’s dataset comprises detailed persona descriptions and transcripts from role-play sessions, contributing to the authenticity of the training experience. The evaluation of the quality of the conversations utilized both human evaluators and LLMs. Results show a high degree of coherence and persona alignment in responses, highlighting VirCo’s effectiveness as a training tool. The paper concludes by showcasing the features of the VirCo learning platform like compulsory assignments and multiple feedback mechanisms.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Rudolph E., Engert N. and Albrecht J. (2024). An AI-Based Virtual Client for Educational Role-Playing in the Training of Online Counselors. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-697-2, SciTePress, pages 108-117. DOI: 10.5220/0012690700003693

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu24,
author={Eric Rudolph and Natalie Engert and Jens Albrecht},
title={An AI-Based Virtual Client for Educational Role-Playing in the Training of Online Counselors},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU},
year={2024},
pages={108-117},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0012690700003693},
isbn={978-989-758-697-2},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU
TI - An AI-Based Virtual Client for Educational Role-Playing in the Training of Online Counselors
SN - 978-989-758-697-2
AU - Rudolph E.
AU - Engert N.
AU - Albrecht J.
PY - 2024
SP - 108
EP - 117
DO - 10.5220/0012690700003693
PB - SciTePress