Using AI to Create Human-Centered Learning: A Case-Based Simulation for Public Health Education
Marcella Gonsalves
Description
As generative AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous, educators face important questions about how to use these tools in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, authentic learning. This session shares an approach to using generative AI to create customized public health case studies and simulations that serve as catalysts for student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction. I will discuss how AI-generated materials can support the development of soft and hard leadership skills through active, human-centered learning, and lessons learned during implementation.
Link to the video [video.ucdavis.edu]
Submit a question for Dr. Gonsalves to answer during the live discussion panels at SITT.
About the Presenter
Marcella D. Gonsalves, EdD, MPH is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and the Graduate Advisor for the Master of Public Health program. She is a public health educator with more than 16 years of experience leading community health and academic programs. Her professional background spans nonprofit leadership, program planning, and evaluation, with experience developing and managing initiatives in nutrition, chronic disease prevention, tobacco cessation, environmental health, and health education. At UC Davis, she teaches courses in public health practice, program planning and evaluation, and health services administration. In addition to program planning and public health practice, her scholarship and teaching interests also include active learning, leadership development, and the responsible integration of AI in public health education. Throughout her career, she has combined public health practice with educational innovation, designing learning experiences that help people acquire the skills and knowledge needed to improve health in our communities. Dr. Gonsalves holds both a Master of Public Health and a Doctor of Education from Drexel University.
