The Use of E-Learning in Social Work Education

Abstract

E-learning is an evolutionary pedagogy in social work. E-learning technologies transform learning so that it can be synchronous or asynchronous. The author provides a systematic discussion of e-learning and its role in social work education. E-learning appears advantageous as a hybrid or blended venue when used in academia and suitable in various formats for continuing education. Theoretical foundations that support positive learning outcomes should guide delivery. Distance delivery, regardless of the media or technology used, is not by itself a contributing variable in students' achievement. The priority of teaching and learning should be on effectiveness of the learning, regardless of the mode of delivery. Current descriptive research on e-learning can be improved by increasing the rigor of methodology and theoretical considerations. This information is necessary as the profession navigates the best ways to meet the changing needs of social work students and social workers in the field.

Online Versus Face-to-Face Training of Critical Time Intervention: A Matching Cluster Randomized Trial

“…This is consistent with previous studies comparing online and face-to-face education that describe how learners value human interactions with content experts and peers that occur in F2F training (McCutcheon et al 2015; Young and Duncan 2014). Emerging research shows that these perceptions may be shifting in fields such as nursing and social work education (McCutcheon et al 2015; Phelan 2015). In the homeless services field, however, e-learning is just beginning to take root, which may explain the strong preference in our sample towards F2F training.…”

“…Another comparison of web-based instruction to classroom instruction showed web-based instruction to be more effective for gaining declarative knowledge while both methods were equally effective in attaining procedural knowledge (Sitzmann et al 2006). Recent systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of online learning in nursing and social work education (Du et al 2013; McCutcheon et al 2015; Phelan 2015) found that online learning is at least as effective as in-person training in supporting knowledge acquisition and dissemination of knowledge and a meta-analysis of computer technology and student achievement found that the average student in a class that uses technology will perform 12 percentage points higher than a student in a classroom that does not use technology (Tamim et al 2011). …”

Twelve tips to promote excellence in ethical review: translation and adaptation of e-learning in research ethics

“…Quality in education, accompanied by the search for cost reduction, stimulated the transformation of the strategies used in teaching through the association of content, methods and technological innovation (Garrison, 2011;Phelan, 2015). This modification was conceived in order to obtain and transmit knowledge to a large number of people in different locations and at varying times.…”

“…This modification was conceived in order to obtain and transmit knowledge to a large number of people in different locations and at varying times. (Peake, 2013;Phelan, 2015). The increase in the use of technology via internet to carry out educational activities was denominated the "E-learning Revolution" by Galagan (2000, p.25).…”

“…As such, in 2014, the planning and implementation of permanent training for members of the RECs became mandatory (Brasil, 2013). In this context, e-learning addressing content on ethics in research presents itself as a modern instrument of education, in which the participant has access to knowledge at any time and in any place, at his/her own pace, whereby the content may be revised as many times as necessary with limited cost (Murphy et al, 2015;Phelan, 2015). According to Silverman et al (2013), from the moment that institutions provide online training programmes, there will be an increase in the research ethics ability of all those involved.…”