Artificial intelligence in social work practice education. The potential use of Generative AI for learning

Abstract

This article is an account of a social work academic’s first engagement with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The aim is to introduce this emerging and fast-growing technology to the social work community in order to promote a dialogue about its potential use for learning in social work practice learning placements. Examples are included to stimulate ideas and motivate educators to use generative AI for teaching and learning. The case is made that students and educators need to understand how to use AI responsibly and skilfully to be agile and equipped for the workplace of the future. Although AI can be useful, it has limitations and cannot replace human interaction which is a fundamental aspect of social work education in the workplace.