An innovative classroom activity that uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools plus a card game is teaching University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa public health students how international trade and resource management affect population health.
Designed as an engaging trading card simulation for PH 203: Introduction to Global Health, the Global Health Trade Summit allows Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) students to represent countries in a global summit, managing health-related resources and navigating trade negotiations, especially during real-world health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instructor Uday “AJ” Patil created the activity using AI tools such as ChatGPT. The game features trading cards with realistic imagery and historical economic data, offering a highly interactive way to understand global health systems.
Real-world challenges through gameplay
In the game, students play through several rounds of international trade, culminating in a pandemic scenario where access to vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and expertise becomes increasingly limited.
“During the pandemic round, students quickly realized that they needed to store up on medicines, vaccines, PPE, lab and imaging technology and expertise—and for those representing low- and middle-income countries, there was a large price tag or a long wait time, leading to devastating effects,” said Patil.
The activity aligns with Council on Education for Public Health standards, reinforcing essential skills such as ethical decision-making, collaboration and leadership. Early student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the game as an eye-opening experience.
The game was first introduced in fall 2024, enhanced with additional elements in spring 2025 and is scheduled to return to the curriculum in fall 2025.
Patil and his colleagues are now exploring the use of board and video games to simulate other public health scenarios, including disease outbreaks and migrant health.
“At a minimum, instructors should find opportunities to teach AI literacy because it’s not only a marketable skill but also an essential ability in an increasing number of jobs,” Patil said. “My dream is for all faculty to consider integrating AI tools into their teaching, equipping students to solve formidable interdisciplinary problems.”
Patil developed the project with support from recent Master of Social Work graduate Melissa Terada and guidance from Associate Professor Denise Nelson-Hurwitz.
DPHS is housed in the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health.
