new technology in the human services

Evans S, Petrakis M & Swain P (2001) Experiencing practice complexities via computer: multimedia innovation in social work education
New Technology in the Human Services 13 (3 & 4), pp. 31-42


Abstract: This paper describes the implementation phase of an innovative multimedia teaching module developed in the School of Social Work at the University of Melbourne. The module, known as LaSWoP, utilizes interactive web-based multimedia technology to guide students through a variety of practice exercises within a controlled, evolving virtual field-based setting. The significant advantage of the project is to place students in a virtual context that includes an organisation, evolving case data, colleagues, peers, professional task expectations and class-based subject assessment requirements. Self-directed, self-paced, competency-based, and guided-discovery reflective learning seems to be the outcome for student participants. The progress of the LaSWoP project is of particular importance in light of demands being placed upon tertiary educators to provide access to learning for rural and remote students populations and to internationalize course content, structure and relevance. The paper locates the project within contemporary debates surrounding computer-mediated communication and competency-based education.

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