How to Build AI Scenario-Based Learning: 3 Authoring Paths for Professors

Two students. One assignment. Same strategic analysis prompt.

Consider two students who submit polished analyses of the same case. One has developed a defensible argument; the other cannot explain the recommendation. The submission alone may not reveal the difference.

Interactive cases can add decisions, explanations, and follow-up discussion to your assessment. AI authoring can help draft that experience, while the instructor defines the objective and reviews the result.

So what does a real AI-powered simulation look like? And how do you build one without a computer science degree?

Add interaction to your case materials

A PDF can support careful reading and discussion. An interactive case adds opportunities to respond to scenario developments.

Start by identifying what students should practice, rather than assuming the source format determines whether they engage.

Ask learners to interpret evidence, make a recommendation, and respond to a changed constraint. Use time pressure only when it serves the learning objective.

What Makes an AI Simulation Work

A useful case connects its activities to the learning objective:

• Scenario content: Combine multimedia and questions within the case.
• Branching paths: Author different developments where they support the lesson.
• Assessment: Configure AI grading for written answers and character conversations against clear criteria.
• Delivery: LiveCase supports Canvas LTI, Blackboard LTI, and partner LTI. Confirm the specific setup rather than assuming grade or roster syncing.

These design choices can make reasoning more visible. Students can still use AI, so explain permitted uses and plan a debrief.

Pathway 1: Start From Scratch

Define the scenario, characters, decision points, and assessment criteria yourself.

This route suits instructors with a clear design in mind. Plan the narrative, write the dialogue, author branching paths, and review the learner experience.

Best for: experienced instructors who have run simulations before and know exactly what they want.

Pathway 2: Co-Create with AI (Recommended)

This is the route we recommend for most instructors.

Describe your learning objective, audience, and scenario in the AI Case Authoring Studio. Use the generated material as a draft, then revise the facts, dialogue, branching paths, and assessment criteria.

Allow time for review and testing. A generated draft is not automatically ready for a class.

Best for: professors and L&D managers who want speed without sacrificing quality. No coding required. Try the free AI Case Authoring Studio to build your first simulation today.

Pathway 3: Studio Services (White-Glove)

Sometimes you do not want to build anything at all. You just need the simulation to exist.

LiveCase's Studio Services team handles everything: narrative design, character development, technical implementation, testing, and deployment. You provide the subject matter expertise and learning objectives. They build the experience.

Agree the scope, review responsibilities, and delivery schedule with the Studio Services team.

If you want wider distribution, discuss publication requirements and terms with LiveCase. Classroom validation does not automatically secure distributor acceptance.

Best for: time-pressed corporate L&D directors and professors who prefer a done-for-you experience.

Getting Started with Your First Simulation

Use this sequence to prepare your first case:

1. Open the AI Case Authoring Studio.
2. Describe the context, learner roles, learning objective, and key decisions.
3. Generate a draft.
4. Review the facts, dialogue, branching paths, and assessment criteria.
5. Preview the learner experience.
6. Confirm the delivery setup before using it with students.

Browse the LiveCase catalogue for ready-to-run scenarios and design inspiration. Check the terms before adapting someone else's material.

FAQ

What is AI scenario-based learning?

It combines scenario-based activities with AI assistance, such as drafting case content or responsive character conversations. Branching paths and assessment depend on the case design.

How long does it take to create an AI simulation?

Time depends on the source material, case complexity, and review required. Start with a small pilot and include time to test the learner experience.

Do I need coding skills to build an AI simulation?

The AI Case Authoring Studio provides a self-service route using natural-language instructions. Instructors still review and refine the case.

Can AI simulations integrate with my existing LMS?

LiveCase supports Canvas LTI, Blackboard LTI, and partner LTI. Confirm the setup and reporting requirements for your institution.

What types of scenarios work best for AI simulations?

Negotiation, leadership, crisis management, and ethical dilemmas can provide useful decision points. Choose a scenario that fits your learning objective and test it with representative learners.

Can I publish and monetize my simulations?

Discuss publishing options, acceptance requirements, and royalty terms with LiveCase. Publication through a distributor is not automatic.