Implement AI simulations as complements within a stepped simulation continuum, with layered interaction modes and blended feedback¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The review's synthesized design strategies position AI simulations as complements rather than substitutes to traditional simulation, creating a "stepped" simulation continuum where AI serves prelearning and basic skills practice while traditional simulations address advanced interpersonal and affective competencies. Strategies include authenticity enhancement, layered instructional design (menu-based interactions for early stages, voice-controlled for advanced critical thinking), technical stability optimization, targeted feedback mechanisms, hybrid interaction modalities, blending automated with facilitator-led feedback, and phased curriculum integration.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• clear communication to students of AI simulations' pedagogical objectives and curricular positioning to manage expectations
• continuous improvement of response speed, dialog accuracy, and platform stability

Constraints¶

• moderate authenticity (eg, animated virtual characters) may be more acceptable than overly realistic but technically unstable systems

Target Learners¶

• prelicensure nursing students
• practicing nurses in formal educational activities

Target Learning Goals¶

• foundational clinical reasoning
• communication skills
• clinical confidence

Affordances¶

• Ai Simulation Four Modality Taxonomy

Related Strategies¶

• Phased implementation of AI in nursing education: simulation for emergency care, adaptive platforms for at-risk learners, automated formative feedback, and multi-site pilots
• Use fidelity-aware simulated patients as a low-risk complement to supervision for deliberate psychotherapy practice
• Deploy AI-assisted classroom observation as a complementary first-pass screening and reflection tool, with raters retaining interpretive judgment
• Combine real people and artificial agents as complements in blended learning environments

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Jiang Hongzhan, Wang Ziyan, Shen Wanting, Meng Meiqi, Yang Dan, Li Xuejing, Hao Yufang. (2026). AI-Powered Simulation for Nursing Education: Mixed Methods Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. https://doi.org/10.2196/95167