SOW 201 - Artificial Intelligence and Digital Literacy in Social Work

 
Description
This course examines how artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools and emerging technologies are transforming social work and human-service practice. Students investigate how technology shapes assessment, intervention, documentation, communication and organizational decision-making. Emphasis is placed on equity, ethics and the ways digital literacy and technological access influence client outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. Through hands-on learning and structured inquiry, students build digital literacy, technological competence and ethical reasoning skills. By engaging technology through a social justice lens, students learn to apply core social work values when evaluating and integrating digital tools in practice settings.

1. Articulate core concepts of artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy and emerging technologies as they apply to social work and human-service practice. (CSWE Competencies 1 and 4)
2. Explain how digital systems and technological innovations shape assessment, intervention, documentation, communication and advocacy across practice settings. (CSWE Competencies 1 and 6)
3. Analyze the ethical, equity and justice implications of AI and algorithmic decision-making systems for diverse client populations, with emphasis on historically marginalized groups. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3 and 9)
4. Evaluate digital and AI outputs for accuracy, bias, cultural responsiveness and ethical alignment to support evidence-informed and values-driven practice. (CSWE Competencies 1, 4 and 9)
5. Apply technological competence and information-literacy skills to design professional, culturally responsive materials and practice tools suitable for human-service environments. (CSWE Competencies 6 and 8)
6. Create an integrated professional portfolio that demonstrates reflective judgment and ethical use of AI and digital tools in human-service environments. (CSWE Competencies 1, 4 and 9)

1. Evolution of technology in social work and human-service delivery
2. Foundations of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in practice
3. Digital systems and platforms used in assessment, intervention and documentation
4. Digital literacy skills for evaluating information and AI-generated content
5. Ethical, legal and professional issues in AI and technology-integrated practice
6. Bias, representation and inequitable impacts of AI and digital systems
7. Technology and AI influences on client engagement, communication and access to services
8. Cross-system communication and the use of digital and AI-enabled tools for coordinating care, sharing information and supporting practice decisions
9. Human-centered design, innovation and technology adaptation in social service organizations
10. Practitioner experiences with technology: interviews, field inquiry and qualitative analysis
11. Evaluation of digital tools and AI systems for agency use
12. Professional identity, digital footprint and portfolio development in a technology-informed landscape

Students may engage in qualitative practice-based activities such as practitioner interviews or agency observations to understand how technology shapes real-world service delivery.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Technological Competence

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