List of ideas for topics for studentgroups

Artificial Intelligence and Human Services

1.      AI-powered Chatbots for Social Work:

Topic: Development and use of AI-supported chatbots to support social workers in case processing, client communication and appointment management.

 Questions:

-        What are the benefits and challenges of AI chatbots in social work?

-        How can chatbots support clients in accessing social services?

-        Find examples from your country / your field / your working context

-        What ethical concerns should be considered when using chatbots in social work?

2.      AI for Early Detection of Social Problems:

 Topic: Using AI algorithms to analyze data from social media, government agencies and other sources for early detection of social problems such as poverty, homelessness and child endangerment.

 Questions:

-        What ethical challenges need to be considered when using AI for the early detection of social problems?

-        Find fields of Human Services in your country / your field / your working context, where Early Detection of Social Problems should be better developped

-        How can AI algorithms be designed to avoid discrimination and prejudice?

-        What role does social work play in intervention and prevention in the context of AI-supported early detection?

3.      AI-enabled Decision-Making in Social Services:

Topic: Use of AI tools to support social workers in decision-making in complex cases, e.g. through risk assessment and predictive models.

 Questions:

-        How can AI-supported decision-making improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social work?

-        What challenges and risks does the use of AI algorithms pose for the autonomy and professionalism of social workers?

-        Find fields of Human Services in your country / your field / your working conext, where AI-enabled Decision-Making would be useful

-        How can transparent and participatory processes be established for the development and use of AI decision-making tools in social work?

4.      AI and Child Welfare

Topic: How could AI support services in child welfare?

-        Explore how artificial intelligence tools are already being utilized to assist in child welfare cases,

-        Find examples from your country

-        What could  including risk assessment models to help social workers identify families that may need intervention, predictive analytics for preventing abuse, and automated systems to streamline case management.

5.      AI and Mental Health Support

Topic: How could AI support services in mental health services?

-        Investigate how AI is transforming mental health services, including the use of chatbots for mental health support, AI-driven diagnostic tools, and personalized therapy sessions using AI algorithms.

-        Find examples from your country

-        Discuss the benefits and limitations of AI in mental health care.

6.      AI for Disaster Response and Crisis Management:

Topic: Use of AI-supported systems to coordinate aid measures, resource allocation and disaster prevention in crisis situations.

 Questions:

-        How can AI help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian aid and disaster management?

-        What challenges and risks are associated with the use of AI algorithms in crisis situations?

-        How can ethical principles and human rights be taken into account in the development and use of AI systems for crisis management?

7.       AI for Promoting Social Inclusion and Equity:

Topic: Development of AI-based tools to combat discrimination and social inequality and to promote the social inclusion of marginalized groups.

 Questions:

-        How can AI help to remove barriers to accessing social services and improve equal opportunities for all?

-        What opportunities and limitations does AI-supported anti-discrimination offer in the context of social work?

-        How can marginalized groups be involved in the development and use of AI-based tools for social inclusion?

8.      AI for Mental Health and Well-Being:

Topic: Development of AI-powered apps and systems to support the mental health and wellbeing of people with different needs.

 Questions:

-        How can AI help improve access to mental health support and counseling and reduce the stigma of mental illness?

-        What are the possibilities and limitations of AI-supported interventions in the field of mental health?

-        How can ethical principles and data protection standards be upheld in the development and use of AI-based tools for mental health?

9.      Making AI responsible…. (Marcin)

Ethical Considerations and Bias Mitigation. Implementing AI in social work, it’s crucial to address ethical considerations and the potential for bias in AI algorithms. Ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems is essential to protect the rights and dignity of clients.

Questions:

·        How can we ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes used in social work?

·        What mechanisms can be put in place to make AI algorithms and their outcomes understandable to social workers and clients?

·        What ethical guidelines should be followed in the development and deployment of AI systems in social work?

10.  How can social workers be involved in the development process of AI tools to ensure they meet ethical standards and practical needs?

·        What training should social workers receive to use AI tools ethically and effectively?

·        Who should be held accountable for the decisions made or assisted by AI systems in social work practice?

·        What measures can be taken to identify and mitigate biases in AI systems used in social work?

11.  Training and Education.

Topic: AI can be used to develop training programs for social workers, using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to simulate real-world scenarios. This can enhance learning experiences and prepare social workers for a variety of situations they may encounter in their practice.

Questions:

·        How can VR and AR be effectively integrated into existing social work education and training curricula?

·        How can the feedback from VR and AR training be made specific and actionable to improve skills and knowledge effectively?

·        What are the potential future developments in AI, VR, and AR that could further enhance training and education for social workers?