Integrating AI Chatbots in Social Work Education for Professional Self-Awareness and Engaging Vulnerable Populations

This paper presents an integrative pedagogical model combining two AI-based teaching innovations in social work education—AI chatbot simulation for understanding vulnerable populations and AI-assisted reflection for fostering self-awareness and professional identity. Using a mixed-methods design, the study involved 78 undergraduate students across two courses. Project 1 integrated AI as a reflective partner to guide students’ self-development and ethical professional formation. Project 2 focused on developing AI chatbots representing vulnerable groups to enhance community engagement, empathy, and resource mapping. Quantitative findings indicated significant gains in creating AI-powered solution, application of AI skills, and ethical analysis. Thematic analysis revealed that AI fosters deeper empathy and reflective practice, though realism and ethical concerns remain challenges. Together, the projects demonstrate AI’s dual potential as both a tool for simulating social realities and a reflective partner for identity formation, positioning AI as a transformative pedagogical adjunct in higher education.