Role-playing the future: a simulation-based exploration of AI in social work

Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to permeate various sectors, its integration into social work practice, particularly in identifying at-risk families, demands a nuanced understanding and ethical engagement from future social workers. This paper presents an account of a simulation-based learning exercise conducted with Masters in Social Work [MSW] students at an Irish university. Through role-playing as different stakeholders, students engaged with a fictional scenario that involved the deployment of an AI algorithm in Ireland for identifying at-risk families. The exercise illuminated diverse perspectives on the implications of AI in social work, highlighting key ethical dilemmas, regulatory challenges and the need for comprehensive education on AI technologies. The findings support the effectiveness of simulation-based learning as an effective way to prepare social work students for the ethical, practical, and policy complexities of integrating AI into their future practice.

Keywords

• ai
• simulation
• social work
• ireland
• authentic assessment
• technology