README.md

metadata

title: Conversational Assessment Tool (CAT)
emoji: 🐱
colorFrom: blue
colorTo: purple
sdk: gradio
pinned: false
license: mit
sdk_version: 5.49.1

Conversational Assessment Tool (CAT)

Course: BUS 220 – Managerial Decision-Making
Institution: Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), CUNY
Instructor: Brett Whysel
Platform: Hugging Face Spaces (Gradio)
Version: 1.0

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🎯 Purpose

The Conversational Assessment Tool (CAT) replaces traditional quizzes with interactive, scenario-based conversations.
It helps students apply decision-making frameworks in realistic business and career situations while strengthening critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills.

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🧩 How It Works

1. Start the Conversation
   Click the ▶️ “Open in Spaces” button above to begin.
   The tool will introduce a scenario aligned with your current module (e.g., decision trees, behavioral economics, ethics).

2. Engage Authentically
   Respond as yourself — the tool won’t grade on right or wrong answers but on reasoning, clarity, and reflection.

3. Receive Feedback
   CAT provides rubric-based feedback:

   • Excellent – clear reasoning and ethical awareness
   • Satisfactory – basic understanding with room for depth
   • Unsatisfactory – incomplete or unclear reasoning

4. Reflect & Submit
   Copy your final transcript and short reflection into your Brightspace assignment.

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💻 Tech Details

• Frontend: Gradio (Python)
• Backend: OpenAI GPT-4-turbo via API
• Hosting: Hugging Face Spaces
• Dependencies: gradio, openai, python-dotenv
• Data Policy: No personal data is stored or transmitted.

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🧠 Pedagogical Alignment

• Supports BMCC’s mission for accessible, equity-centered education
• Develops NACE competencies: Critical Thinking, Communication, Technology
• Reinforces Uniquely Human Capacities: mindfulness, metacognition, ethical judgment

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🧰 Developer Notes

• Update logic in app.py following the CAT Technical Specification v3
• Rebuild automatically triggers upon commit
• Add or update dependencies in requirements.txt

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🪴 Acknowledgments

Based on Instructors as Innovators (Mollick & Mollick, 2024) and
designed collaboratively with BMCC Business Management Department and DecisionFish / Fifth Avenue Committee.

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© 2025 Brett Whysel. Licensed under MIT.