Gamified Flipped Design Innovation Classroom with AI Chatbot to Promote Soft Skills for Student Innovators

This study investigates the integration of a gamified flipped design innovation classroom with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot to promote soft skills for student innovators in high school education. The research aimed to 1) develop the gamified flipped design innovation classroom with AI chatbot model, 2) assess student innovators’ soft skills in innovative design projects, and 3) explore the application of gamification and AI chatbots in teaching and learning management. The participants were 130 Grade 11 students from Srinakharinwirot Ongkharak Demonstration School, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand, selected through multi-stage sampling. Findings revealed that the model was rated at the most suitable level (mean = 4.72, S.D. = 0.487). Soft skills were assessed using a Likert scale, with a mean score of 4.35 (S.D. = 0.54), indicating a good level of development. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between soft skills, AI chatbot usage, and gamification levels. Regression analysis showed that AI chatbot usage significantly influenced innovative thinking, networking, communication, and problem-solving mindset, while gamification positively affected leadership and time management. Results indicated that soft skills development was at a good level (mean = 4.35, S.D. = 0.54), with AI chatbots positively influencing innovative thinking, networking, communication, and problem-solving skills, while gamification enhanced leadership and time management. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong relationships between soft skills, AI usage, and gamification levels, suggesting that the gamified flipped classroom with an AI chatbot significantly promotes soft skills among student innovators.