ChatItOut: Unlock the Power of AI for Conflict Resolution

ChatItOut is an innovative, AI-powered tool designed to help users prepare for challenging conflict conversations. It guides users through structured stages of a conversation providing support with features like stage transitions and conversation summaries. The platform is user-friendly, requires no login, and allows users to download their conversation summaries afterward. ChatItOut reinforces key stages of collaborative conflict resolution, ensuring each phase is explored thoroughly and approached constructively. Whether for personal or professional conflicts, it empowers users to engage thoughtfully and confidently.

AUTHORING TOOL(S) USED

OpenAI, React, Python

WHY WAS THIS PROJECT NEEDED?

This project was needed to provide learners with a safe, low-risk environment to practice conflict resolution skills. It is especially valuable for those new to the unique 5-stage conflict resolution model taught at JIBC, allowing them to build confidence and competence before applying these skills in real-world situations.

HOW DOES THIS DEMONSTRATE INNOVATION?

ChatItOut is innovative in its use of artificial intelligence and natural language processing to create dynamic, personalized learning experiences. ChatItOut AI adapts to the user’s inputs, providing a realistic and evolving conversation. This allows for continuous learning and practice in a way that feels authentic. The platform is able to simulate diverse conflict scenarios and offer contextual feedback showcases the potential of AI in educational settings.

PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES FACED?

Data Sets: One of the main challenges was ensuring the AI model could effectively understand and generate relevant responses in nuanced conflict scenarios without much pre-populated data.

User Experience: Balancing the complexity of the conversation while keeping the user experience intuitive and approachable posed a challenge. It was crucial to ensure the platform remained user-friendly while still delivering a high level of interaction quality.

Scalability: In the future, ensuring that the platform could handle multiple concurrent users without compromising response times or interaction quality required careful attention to the backend infrastructure.

Privacy: Balancing the need for data retention to help the system learn, but includes warnings that while chats are not aligned with participant names, sensitive or identifying information may be typed into the chat.

LESSONS LEARNED

Importance of Ethical AI Use: Data privacy and ethical considerations are critical in AI projects, especially when dealing with sensitive scenarios such as conflict resolution.

PROJECT URL

ChatItOut

About Kent Highnam

Kent Highnam, Cert. ConRes., BA, MA, is an international educator and speaker with a background in international and public relations with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. His work in public and private organizations, and in indigenous communities, includes education, mediation, facilitation and coaching in both English and French, to assist individuals and groups find meaning, purpose and compassion for themselves and others. As Dean of JIBC's School of Health, Community and Social Justice, Kent has extensive experience in educational leadership, labour relations, and social justice issues. He teaches for the Centre for Conflict Resolution, the Centre for Leadership