Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for Combating Unethical Practices in Social Work Education

Abstract

The social work profession is built on the core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. However, the field of social work education has not been immune to unethical practices that undermine these principles. Allegations of discrimination, favoritism, abuse of power, and lack of transparency have surfaced in various social work programs, highlighting the need for effective measures to address these issues. This paper explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for combating unethical practices in social work education. AI-powered systems can be leveraged to enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the educational process, from admissions to student evaluation and faculty oversight. It provides an overview of the ethical challenges facing social work education, including biases in admission decisions, unfair grading practices, and the abuse of power by faculty members. It then delves into the theoretical foundation for the use of AI in addressing these challenges, drawing from ethical AI frameworks, principles of procedural justice, and the potential of data-driven decision-making.