Leveraging educational chatbots to train future worker

A review of applications, outcomes, and challenges

Authors

  • Alfaza Ranggana Indonesia University of Education (UPI)
  • Lala Septem Riza Indonesia University of Education (UPI)
  • Ade Gafar Abdullah Indonesia University of Education (UPI)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jrw9d811

Keywords:

AI training, educational chatbot, feedback mechanism, systematic literature review, virtual agent, vocational education

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis examining how chatbots and virtual agents are used in educational and professional training. Drawing from 52 articles (2021–2025) and a thematic synthesis of ten empirical studies, this review addresses eight research questions concerning chatbot applications, feedback mechanisms, challenges, design features, and effectiveness. The findings show that chatbots are widely deployed as virtual patients, simulated students, and interactive tutors across medicine, teacher education, programming, and risk assessment. Personalized, real-time feedback positively affects learning outcomes, while key challenges include limited empathy, inconsistent responses, and AI overreliance. The review also maps publication trends and emerging themes around LLMs and emotionally responsive interfaces, offering a framework for educators, developers, and policymakers in the design of ethical, sustainable AI-based training interventions.

Author Biographies

  • Alfaza Ranggana, Indonesia University of Education (UPI)

    Alfaza Ranggana is a researcher and educator affiliated with Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Bandung. He completed his undergraduate degree at Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (UNPAR) and earn his Master of Education (M.Pd.) degree from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. His research interests include Computer Science Education, Computational Thinking, and Extracurricular Activities. He has previously served as an Assistant Lecturer at the Career Development Center of UNPAR, and has been actively involved in academic and organizational activities throughout his career.

  • Lala Septem Riza, Indonesia University of Education (UPI)

    Prof. Dr. Lala Septem Riza is a full professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education (FPMIPA), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Bandung. He holds a professorship in the field of Data Science and Big Data Analysis and was officially inaugurated as a Professor on November 14, 2023, at UPI's Bumi Siliwangi Campus. His research interests span Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Soft Computing, and Big Data Analysis. He has been widely published in international journals and has contributed to research spanning educational technology, computer vision, NLP-based question generation, and astronomical data analysis.

  • Ade Gafar Abdullah, Indonesia University of Education (UPI)

    Prof. Dr. Ade Gafar Abdullah was born in Bandung on November 13, 1972. He completed his undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering Education at IKIP Bandung (now Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia/UPI), followed by a Master's degree in Instrumentation Physics and a Doctoral degree in Nuclear Physics, both from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). His research spans a wide range of topics including Artificial Intelligence, renewable energy, machine learning, and vocational education. He is also an active member of IEEE Education Society Indonesia and ADGVI (Asosiasi Dosen dan Guru Vokasional Indonesia). His recognition in the academic community is reflected in his experience providing scientific writing training at more than one hundred universities across Indonesia. He holds a Scopus ID of 36808946900

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Additional Files

Published

2026-07-05

Issue

Section

Education, Society, and Cultural Contexts

How to Cite

Ranggana, A., Septem Riza, L., & Gafar Abdullah, A. (2026). Leveraging educational chatbots to train future worker: A review of applications, outcomes, and challenges. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, 15(5), 321-354. https://doi.org/10.32674/jrw9d811