Instructional Design for AI Simulations

Workshop Overview

For access to the Zoom link, please enroll in the Foundations of AI in Medical Education course:

Enroll in Foundations of AI in Medical Education Course

Date: February 13, 2026
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Location: Rosenfeld Hall Room A420

This workshop led by the UCLA Simulation Center introduces an instructional design approach for building healthcare simulations powered by AI. Participants will apply backwards design principles to define clear learning objectives, plan simulation scenarios aligned with these objectives, and create structured prompts for large language models (LLMs) to develop simulation cases. The session introduces universal prompt engineering strategies that can be applied across a wide range of AI tools and clinical use cases, including meta-prompting techniques to streamline AI prompt design. Participants will gain hands-on experience with campus-approved AI software and learn how to select tools that best support their educational goals.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Design measurable learning objectives that guide the instructional purpose and expectations of AI-driven simulations.
• Apply backwards design principles to build a simulation scenario aligned with learning objectives.
• Construct a role-playing prompt that produces realistic simulation behaviors.
• Document simulation development using project management tools.
• Utilize campus-approved LLMs to streamline scenario and prompt design.

Resources & Links

UCLA Digital and Technology Solutions - Available AI Tools

UCLA Digital and Technology Solutions - Guiding Principles for Responsible Use of AI