Futuring with AI: Social work education, policy and practice

與AI共創未來：社會工作教育、政策與實踐

Dr. Lauri Goldkind

Professor, Fordham University, USA; Editor in Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is problematizing social work practice in new and unanticipated ways. Clients and professionals are building relationships with nonhuman digital tools that are leading to unexpected consequences. This talk foregrounds a futures orientation to explore the infusion of AI into social work education, policy and practice. First we will explore how clients are using AI as a mental and emotional support, and the unintended consequences of using generic frontier models like ChatGPT as a therapeutic support. Next we will discuss how social workers are using AI tools to support their practices, most often without guidelines, evidence and training. We will describe frameworks for thinking about ethical and care-ful AI adoptions and present case examples to help illustrate the ethical challenges and potential solutions. Lastly, we will examine what kinds of education and training future social workers will need to navigate future digital innovations in practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels.

Bio: Dr. Goldkind is a professor at Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service and the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services. She is the founder of the Participatory AI Research, Education and Development (PAIRED) Lab. Goldkind’s current research has two threads: data justice and artificial intelligence in human services and nonprofits, and artificial intelligence in social work practice. She has a robust network of community partners in New York City and internationally, including the International Federation of Settlement Houses, United Neighborhood Houses, and Caritas Macau. She holds an MSW from SUNY Stony Brook with a concentration in planning, administration, and research, and a PhD from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University.