"Designing an Academic Program to Prepare an AI-Powered Smart Social Worker at the Bachelor's Level of Social Work: A Modern Approach to Social Work Education and Practice"

The social work profession is experiencing profound transformations driven by rapid technological advancements and the emergence of artificial intelligence. These shifts necessitate an urgent redesign of academic programs to meet the evolving demands of the digital era. This study aims to develop an innovative academic program that prepares a smart social worker—one equipped with digital literacy, data analysis capabilities, and the ethical application of AI tools and modern technologies across preventive, therapeutic, and developmental domains of practice.



Employing a hybrid instructional design approach inspired by the ADDIE and Taba models, the study combines a theoretical analysis of global trends in social work education with a practical assessment of labor market needs and a critical review of current field training experiences. The proposed program is built upon three foundational pillars: smart competencies, ethical digital practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.



The findings highlight that integrating AI and digital transformation into both academic coursework and field education—particularly through interdisciplinary programs linking social work faculties with those of artificial intelligence, computer science, and information technology—significantly enhances graduates’ readiness for complex professional challenges. The study recommends the implementation of flexible and integrated curricula that align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, conceptualized by Klaus Schwab, and its emphasis on technological convergence. It also underscores the importance of preparing for the Fifth Industrial Revolution, which promotes human-machine collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. Ultimately, the study advocates for educational ecosystems that balance technological progress with human-centered values in the formation of future-ready social work professionals.