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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Karen Magruder

LCSW-S

Harnessing AI in Social Work Education: From Theory to Practice

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 2:30 pm
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Abstract

This presentation explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work education through three interconnected components: a systematic literature review, a conceptual framework applying the strengths perspective, and a practical teaching application focused on AI as a roleplay tool. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive exploration of how AI can be harnessed to enhance teaching and learning in an ethical manner. A systematic literature review was conducted examining how AI is being integrated into social work education. Using PRISMA protocols, the review identifies key trends, including the transformative potential of AI and the importance of building students’ digital literacy. However, it also highlights concerns, such as the lack of practical implementation strategies specific to social work education. Grounding this work in a solid theoretical base, a conceptual framework applying the strengths perspective is explored. With a strengths lens, AI is viewed as a tool for empowerment, emphasizing its potential to enhance teaching and enrich learning experiences. To bridge the gap in practical andragogical strategies, an innovative teaching activity is proposed that uses generative AI for roleplay simulations. This activity demonstrates how AI can facilitate dynamic and interactive learning experiences by simulating client scenarios, allowing students to build skills in a safe and controlled environment. Together, these components provide a holistic perspective on integrating AI in social work education, bridging extant research, theory, and practice applications to advance the profession.

Biography

Karen Magruder, LCSW-S is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Arlington School (UTA) of Social Work, where she brings to the classroom a broad professional background in aging, mental health, and environmental justice. A dedicated and experienced educator and international speaker, Ms. Magruder is passionate about integrating evidence-based and innovative techniques to promote student success in online learning. Ms. Magruder is also a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate at the University of Kentucky, where her capstone research focuses on the implications of artificial intelligence for social work education. Upon graduation, Ms. Magruder will serve as the DSW Director for the inaugural DSW program at UTA. Ms. Magruder has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Torgerson MSW teaching award, two BSW teaching awards, the UTA Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the UTA President’s Award for Transformative Online Education, the US Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Excellence in Distance Education Award and the 2024 National DSW Conference Outstanding Contributions to Social Work Education award. Her dozens of publications cover a range of topics including social work education, therapeutic modalities, and eco-anxiety. She also manages a small private therapy practice, provides clinical supervision, and maintains a free social work education resources YouTube channel with over 11,000 subscribers and nearly one million views.