Artificial Intelligence (AI) Essentials for the Social Worker

SWCE1009 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) Essentials for the Social Worker

Micro-Course | 1.0 Continuing Education Hours | Estimated 1.0-Hour Workload


Price reduced from $25.00 to $21.25
How To Enroll?
  • feature icon Professional Development
  • feature icon Advanced
  • feature icon 1.0 Continuing Education Hours
  • feature icon Estimated 1.0-Hour Workload
  • feature icon Self-Paced
  • feature icon Accessible for 180 days

Description

This one-hour course will introduce you to some foundational information and concepts about generative artificial intelligence (AI). Though this technology may feel complex, this course is designed to provide essential information about AI so you can feel more informed and confident about applying AI technologies in social work.

This 1.0-credit, reading-based asynchronous online course was developed in 2024 for social work professionals. The course includes written content plus optional videos, interactive activities, and links to outside resources. The course requires the completion of a 15-question post-test and brief course evaluation that can be accessed from within the online learning environment. See our FAQs page for more information about system requirements. CE credits are issued for required material only.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this micro-course, you will be able to:

  • Recognize characteristics of generative AI
  • Use a generative AI tool to accomplish a task
  • Identify limitations of generative AI
  • Choose responsible uses of generative AI
  • Identify uses of AI in social work

Eligibility

  • Must be 18 or older

Refund Policy

You will have 24 hours, or until you receive your completion certificate, to request a full refund after purchase, whichever comes first. No hidden fees. All books and materials are included with purchase.

Faculty Bio

Curriculum

  • What is Artificial Intelligence?

    This module explains the nature of modern artificial intelligence (AI), including traditional and generative AI, and its relevance in the field of social work.

  • The History of Artificial Intelligence

    This module outlines the history of AI since the 1950s and how it has evolved over time.

  • What is Generative AI?

    This module explains the essential characteristics of generative AI, large language models, and the process of training the model, as well as the sources of errors and “hallucinations” in generative AI.

  • How Can Generative AI Help?

    This module provides examples and demonstrations of the variety of ways that generative AI can be used in various work and educational contexts.

  • Limitations of Generative AI Tools

    This module introduces concepts of responsible use and the importance of critically evaluating AI responses. The module further explores sources of error, bias, and hallucinations in AI-generated content. The growing risk of malicious attacks using generative AI and how to avoid these is also addressed.

  • The Responsible Use of Generative AI

    This module presents guidelines for using generative AI responsibly, including proper attribution, familiarity with and adherence to organizational policies and practices, and protecting one’s privacy while using AI tools.

  • The Potential Role of AI in Social Work

    This module provides an overview and examples of how AI can be used responsibly in social work contexts for tasks such as screening and assessment, case management, documentation, and training, as well as the importance of keeping the focus on the “human touch” while leveraging the benefits of technology in practice.

  • Applying AI Technology to Social Work

    This module explores AI applications in social work in more depth, including the use of predictive analytics, automation of routine tasks, and others along with their benefits to clients and other stakeholders. The need for transparency, informed consent, and consistent monitoring is stressed.

  • Ethical Concerns of AI in Social Work

    This module reviews the ethical implications and cautions of using AI in social work settings, including privacy, data accessibility, the technological literacy level of users, and the need for organizations, supervisors, and practitioners to set and communicate expectations.

Accreditation Statement

Walden University School of Lifelong Learning for the Barbara Solomon School of Social Work, provider # 1892, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/9/2024-9/9/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

Walden University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing standards that define competent preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.


Criteria for obtaining Continuing Education Hours

This professional development course offers content that includes overviews and descriptions, engagement activities, resources, and a final assessment that can be taken as many times as needed to pass. Within 180 days of the course purchase date, follow these steps to claim your hours:

  1. Complete all course content,
  2. Achieve 80% or higher for the final assessment,
  3. Complete the end of course evaluation, and
  4. Download and print or save your certificate.

ADA Accommodation Statement

If you need accommodations, please e-mail [email protected].

Features

 Interactive and Engaging Content

Interactive and Engaging Content

Learn through visual, interactive, and scenario-based learning components.

 Flexible Learning

Flexible Learning

Review professional development content at your own pace to accommodate your busy schedule.

Awards

Certificate for Continuing Education Hours

Certificate for Continuing Education Hours


Price reduced from $25.00 to $21.25
How To Enroll?
  • feature icon Professional Development
  • feature icon Advanced
  • feature icon 1.0 Continuing Education Hours
  • feature icon Estimated 1.0-Hour Workload
  • feature icon Self-Paced
  • feature icon Accessible for 180 days

How to enroll?

  • 1Add course to cart
  • 2Create your account
  • 3Register for course
  • 4Make payment
  • 5Start learning
-or-
email [email protected] for additional assistance

Who is this for

  • Licensed Social workers

Learners are responsible for consulting with the appropriate licensing, credentialing, or certifying authority; local school district; employer; or other organization to determine whether a course will be accepted by that organization. Walden does not guarantee acceptance by any third party for any specific purpose.