The Development of Strategic Plans for Implementing Distance Education in Social Work Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This research project developed two strategic plans for distance education in social work. The project involved use of a developmental problem-solving methodology, creation of a conceptual framework thorough a literature search, visits to sites that use distance education, consultations with experts, and attendance at local and national conferences. In addition the project resulted in the initiation of a pilot training program at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Social Work which included lectures and development of a technology and a 15-minute videotape. Administration of an effectiveness questionnaire with 57 students indicated a positive response to the UCONN program. A questionnaire responded to by 96 directors of field education in Canada and the United States indicated that not many schools of social work are currently using distance education though some social agencies are beginning to use distance education. Overall the project concluded that distance education can enhance social work education, that it is already being used by other professions, that it has no geographic, physical or temporal limitations, and that it can be used to restructure social work education. Appendixes contain the UCONN plan, the student questionnaire, and information on curriculum and teaching, costs, and evaluation. Contains more than 200 references. (JB)