SWK X205 - Ethics and Technology in Social Work Practice

This training will cover the changes to the NASW Code of Ethics pertaining to technology. Participants will learn how to create a professional presence online while using technology and social media. Participants will examine the ethical implications and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into social work practice. Common online mistakes will be discussed, and tips will be given on how to avoid compromising client care.

What You’ll Learn

After completing this training, participants will be able to:

• Discover the changes in the NASW Code of Ethics, specifically as they pertain to technology.
• Identify common mistakes in the use of technology and social media and analyze how these errors can compromise client confidentiality.
• Assess their online presence and prepare for creating a professional online presence.
• Demonstrate increased competency by applying best practices for the ethical use of AI, technology, and social media in practice.

What You’ll Earn

• Social workers completing this training will receive 3 ethics continuing education clock hours under ACE.
• This training is approved for 3 continuing education clock hours in Ethics for social workers in the state of Ohio.

Additional Information

Development Date: March 2026

Target Audience: Licensed Social Work professionals

Content Level: Intermediate

Training Outline:

• Welcome to the Training
  • Training Information
    • Overview, Objectives, Training Outline and Format, Navigation, Accessibility, AI Disclosure
  • Continuing Education Information
  • Meet Your Instructors
  • Questions? Contact Us
• Module 1: The Challenges of Social Media and Technology (Common Mistakes)
  • Lesson 1: Technology in Social Work Practice
  • Lesson 2: The Social Media Landscape
  • Lesson 3: Pros and Cons of Social Media in Social Work
  • Lesson 4: How Technology is Changing Social Services
  • Let’s Review
• Module 2: Updates to the NASW Code of Ethics
  • Lesson 1: Updates to the NASW Code of Ethics on Technology Use
  • Lesson 2: 2018 NASW Updates Role Playing
  • Lesson 3: 2021 NASW Updates Role Playing
  • Lesson 4: Social Media Audit
  • Let’s Review
• Module 3: Creating a Professional Online Presence
  • Lesson 1: Google Yourself
  • Lesson 2: 8 Social Media and Technology Tips for Social Workers
  • Lesson 3: Social Media in Private Practice – Interview with Kate Vessels
  • Lesson 4: Social Media within an Agency – Interview with Kirsten Cupach
  • Let’s Review
• Module 4: AI in Social Work Practice
  • Lesson 1: NASW and AI
  • Lesson 2: AI SOAP Notes Example
  • Lesson 3: AI Pitfalls
  • Lesson 4: Key AI Skills for Social Workers
  • Write & Reflect Activity
  • Let’s Review
  • Wrap Up
  • References
• Post-Test
• Training Evaluation
• Certificate
  • Next Steps for Your Certificate
• Credits

Presenter: Angela Fry, MSW, LISW-S
Professor at Columbus State Community College

Angela Fry, MSW, LISW-S, earned both her Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from The Ohio State University. With a career rooted in trauma and abuse work, Fry has gained extensive experience through her service in various agencies across Columbus, Ohio. She began her career at CHOICES, a domestic violence agency, where she worked as a case manager supporting women residing in the shelter. She then spent a decade at Catholic Social Services in a variety of clinical and supervisory roles. Fry is now a professor in the social work and human services program at Columbus State Community College.

Presenter: Jorie Schwartz, LISW-S
Professor at Columbus State Community College

Jorie Schwartz, LISW-S, is an experienced social worker with over 28 years of service in Columbus, specializing in community mental health and school-based prevention. A graduate of The Ohio State University with an MSW degree, Schwartz has spent the past 12 years teaching in the social work and human services program at Columbus State Community College and also serves as a community lecturer at OSU’s College of Social Work.

Continuing Education Approvals
The Ohio State University College of Social Work, (Provider: 1628), is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The Ohio State College of Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 4/30/25–4/30/28. Social workers completing this course receive 3 ethics continuing education credits.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work provides approvals for continuing education for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists that are accepted by the Ohio CSWMFT Board.

Certificates & CE Reporting
CE certificates will be available for download in your learner portal within 1 business day after submitting the evaluation survey. Hours for Ohio licenses submitted with the evaluation survey will be reported to CE Broker every 14 days (twice per month).

⚠️ Note: You may only complete this training once for CE credit. You may revisit the content, but only one certificate will be issued and credit will only be reported to CE Broker one time.

Cancellations, Refunds, Grievances, Accessibility Requests & Learning
Please visit the Policies section of our website for more information on cancellations, refunds, grievances, training completions & certificates, participant conduct, and accessibility requests. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. If you require an accommodation, contact CSW Accessibility at csw-accessibility@osu.edu or call 614-688-1657.

Contact Us

For questions about the enrollment process, payment options, technology, or training records, please submit an inquiry and our Enrollment Support team will assist you within 24 hours during business days.

Submit an enrollment inquiry

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback about the training content or delivery format, please contact the College of Social Work Office of Continuing Education team at cswce@osu.edu.

Phone: (614) 292-3032
Website: csw.osu.edu/continuing-education