BUSSW Team Wins Shipley Academic Innovation Grant
A new initiative from Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) aims to change how social work students practice critical skills by bringing ethical, AI-driven simulations into everyday coursework.
A team from BUSSW recently received a Shipley Academic Innovation Grant to support Reimagining Simulation in Blackboard Ultra, a project that integrates generative AI–driven personas directly into the University’s Blackboard Ultra learning management system. The initiative creates realistic, text-based practice scenarios that allow MSW students to apply theory, strengthen professional communication, and reflect on ethical decision-making in a low –risk environment.
The interdisciplinary team is led by Lyndsey McMahan, assistant dean of teaching and innovation at BUSSW, and includes Jordana Muroff, professor and chair of the Clinical Practice Department; Mark Gianino, clinical associate professor in the Clinical Practice Department; Ashley Davis, clinical associate professor in the Human Behavior, Research, and Policy Department; joined by Matthew King, instructional designer with BU Virtual. A MSW student will also join the team to ensure the simulations support student learning and engagement.
Beginning in spring 2026, the three-semester initiative will:
- Develop ten AI personas representing diverse social work practice contexts
- Embed simulations in selected in-person and online MSW courses across practice, policy, and research sequences
- Align activities with the core competencies from the Council on Social Work Education
- Incorporate faculty feedback and guided student reflection
- Emphasize responsible and ethical use of generative AI
Integrating experiential learning into Blackboard Ultra makes applied learning more accessible, cost-effective, and scalable, highlighting BUSSW’s leadership in social work education.
Learn more about BUSSW’s MSW program and innovative learning experiences