Research Seminar: Artificial Intelligence Challenges and Opportunities in Social Work

A significant milestone in the field of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), particularly large language models (LLMs), was reached with the introduction of the ChatGPT system by OpenAI in late 2022. Subsequently, other advanced models like Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini were released, broadening the possibilities for meaningful human–machine conversations (Hu, 2023). These systems, utilizing advanced natural language processing technologies, exhibit remarkable capabilities in managing dialogue, grasping context, and generating high-quality content. Creative AI has rapidly become integrated into the organizational and practical aspects of social work, and GenAI is already widely utilized by professionals and students (Singer et al., 2023; Tulğan & Güre, 2024). The question confronting social work educators is no longer whether to involve AI, but rather how to do so effectively to prepare students for critical, ethical, and proficient practice. Addressing this issue entails more than merely incorporating AI content into existing courses. It necessitates a learning environment that transforms the student’s interaction with GenAI from that of a passive user to that of an informed professional, someone capable of assessing a GenAI tool based on the specific requirements of a practice scenario, recognizing its limitations, and making well-founded decisions on when and how to use it. Social work students also need to know how to create AI-based tools for everyday practice (Kapur et al., 2025; Reamer, 2023; Stone, 2023; Tulğan & Güre, 2024). These advancements call for adapting social work education and learning methodologies to the digital era while incorporating advanced LLMs into professional teaching and training processes (Kapur et al., 2025; Singer et al., 2023).