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.