Reimagining Social Work Assessment in the Age of AI

The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has prompted significant debate within social work education regarding its ethical integration into teaching and assessment. Drawing on a case study from a Master of Social Work program in Australia, the authors describe an assessment redesign that incorporated generative AI tools to scaffold, rather than replace, professional reasoning. Findings from two cohorts reveal mixed responses from students and educators, highlighting benefits such as improved efficiency and skill development alongside concerns about authenticity and academic integrity. The chapter opens with a summary of current perspectives on the role of AI in social work and concludes with practical recommendations for educators, stressing the importance of clear purpose, rubric adjustments, technical readiness, and alignment with ethical codes. Integrating AI into social work education offers opportunities for preparing graduates for technologically integrated practice while preserving core values of empathy, critical thinking, and accountability.