AI Chatbots and Academia: Applications for Research, Teaching, and Service

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that uses algorithmic computing to simulate human-like functions. Algorithms are essentially directions which tell computers how to behave; they are iterative and improve based on successive attempts at solving a problem or responding to a direction. AI has been used to convert text into images, music, and to engage in text-based communications. Large language models, for example chatbots like ChatGPT, have emerged as an innovative tool that can support research, teaching and service. Chatbots use massive data sets to fuel algorithms which can create human-like written products. As social work academics, it is essential that we explore the potential of AI chatbots and the implications for our profession.

While these tools offer the possibility of creating more efficient text based responses on everything from grading student work to conducting literature reviews, chat utilities also raise significant ethical and social justice challenges. Even Open AI the creators of ChatGPT recognize that ChatGPT sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect answers. This raises questions about the kinds of digital literacy that faculty and students will need in order to be able to distinguish and evaluate valid claims from misinformation. ChatGPT, like many AI tools, relies on humans to moderate and fact check its materials. Often these are workers who reside in Global South countries who are paid very low wages for intense and often painstaking work. Further, AI image generators often produce images that reflect biases and assumptions from the dominant culture, like social workers as white women.

The roundtable will begin with an outline of AI key terms and functions, followed by a live demonstration of leading chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT) and graphic generators (e.g. Midjourney) pertinent to social work educators. Practical demonstrations will showcase the diverse applications of chatbots in social work education, including generating innovative ideas like a case study or a syllabus, enhancing students' understanding of key social work concepts and facilitating project idea development in the classroom, and supporting research, particularly in the context of qualitative coding.

With AI poised to transform the way we approach social work practice, this workshop will offer ideas for the application of AI to social work research, teaching, and service. The panelists will discuss the following topics: 1) chatbot uses to support social work researchers in data collection, analysis, and visualization, 2) ideas for using chatbots as a tool in the classroom, 3) how social work academics can use chatbots as a tool in their day-to-day academic work from generating grant ideas to responding to a student concern, and 4) ethical and social justice implications of using large language models. The discussion will include concrete examples, as well as obstacles we have encountered.

This roundtable will provide an opportunity for social work academics to explore the potential of AI chatbots and engage in a dialogue on the responsible and ethical use of this technology in social work. Overall, our goal is to spark ideas for integrating chatbots into social work research, teaching, and service.