Episode 6: AI’s Emerging Role in Social Work Practicum Education

Host of The Conversation, Amy Skeen of Simmons University, interviews Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, social worker and a leading voice at the intersection of social work and artificial intelligence. AI is quickly moving into classrooms and practicum sites, bringing exciting opportunities and critical challenges. In this episode we’ll explore the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of bringing AI into practicum education.


Listen to the episode on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k7YxRBam0aIzr0AoB0UCi?si=Q6hM1qNORSOf3vIEolQhIA

Episode 6 References

  • Ahn, E., Choi, M., Fowler, P., & Song, I. H. (2025). Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy for Social Work: Implications for Core Competencies. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 16(1), 9–26. ⁠https://doi.org/10.1086/735187 ⁠
  • Perkins, M., Furze, L., Roe, J., MacVaugh, J. (2024). The Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS): A Framework for Ethical Integration of Generative Al in Educational Assessment. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 21(6). ⁠https://doi.org/10.53761/q3azde36⁠
  • Rubin, Alexander; Lynch, Michael; Sage, Todd; Sage, Melanie (2024). Embracing AI Chatbots in Social Work Education: A Guide for Social Work Practicum Educators. figshare. Online resource. ⁠https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.25374337.v1⁠

About the Podcast

Applied Learning in Social Work Education’s podcast, The Conversation, is created and produced by the Simmons University School of Social Work for the benefit and enrichment of the social work education community, including practicum directors and instructors and social work faculty and students. Read Applied Learning in Social Work Education here: ⁠⁠⁠https://alswe.simmons.edu/⁠⁠⁠

Host: Amy Skeen, DSW, Simmons University

Guest: Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz

Production Coordinator, Simmons University: Evan Rice