Fayetteville State University Integrates AI Technology into Social Work Program
Fayetteville State University (FSU) is embarking on a pioneering initiative to enhance its social work curriculum through the incorporation of virtual simulation AI technology. This innovative approach stems from a partnership formed with the University of Utah and the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.
Transformative Learning Experience
The virtual simulation technology provides social work students with a unique, immersive learning experience. Students can access the technology on their laptops, engaging in simulations that take them through various stages of disarray within a household environment. According to Michelle Bates, an associate professor and interim Master of Social Work program director at FSU, the technology allows students to identify and analyze potential risks in a family setting.
Bates highlights the importance of addressing critical issues, stating, “For example, if there are children living in the home, what might we want to say to the family that, ‘hey, this might be something that we may need to discuss, to put away like a gun being left out on a table, right? That’s a big issue. Maybe there’s an open bottle of Tylenol.’” This real-world application enables students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills essential for effective social work.
Comprehensive Training Across Degree Levels
The implementation of this advanced technology is structured to benefit students at different stages of their academic journey. Undergraduate students will participate in training during their final semester, while graduate students will experience it within their first year of the master’s degree program. This staggered approach ensures that all social work students receive exposure to practical, state-of-the-art training before entering the workforce.
Addressing High Turnover Rates
A critical goal of this initiative is to better prepare future social workers, addressing a pressing issue in North Carolina: high turnover rates. Bates notes that the turnover rate among social workers in the state is currently between 30-50%, with rural and smaller counties experiencing rates exceeding 50%. Many of these challenges relate to inadequate training and low salaries, which can influence job satisfaction and retention.
By introducing virtual simulation AI technology, FSU aims to equip its students with the skills necessary to navigate complex social work scenarios effectively. Bates expresses hope that this technology will contribute to reducing turnover rates among social workers in North Carolina, ultimately enhancing the quality of social services provided in the community.
A Historic First for HBCUs in North Carolina
Starting in January, Fayetteville State University will become a trailblazer in the educational landscape by integrating virtual simulation AI technology into its social work program. As the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in North Carolina to implement such a program, FSU is setting an important precedent. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to not only improving its curriculum but also preparing students to meet the evolving challenges of the social work field.
The Future of Social Work Training
The incorporation of advanced technologies like virtual simulations signifies a transformative shift in how social work training is approached at FSU. By embracing innovative educational methods, the university not only enhances the learning experience for its students but also prepares them to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Through partnerships like this, institutions of higher learning can foster an environment of continuous improvement, ensuring that future social workers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in a complex world.