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It is commonly said that technology has changed our personal lives and impacted social work practice. We have seen technology shape some big innovations, such as counseling provided online and across state lines, the creation of global advocacy communities at a swipe, and healthcare information stored in the cloud and accessible from anywhere.
With these rapid changes, we should examine whether or not social workers are keeping up in a digital world. More specifically, is the high-tech social worker a myth or reality? There is no clear-cut answer to this question. While many social workers are early technology adopters and traditionalists have been resistant to change.
Join us for the #MacroSW chat on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9 pm EST (6 pm Pacific) to discuss if the high-tech social worker is a myth or reality.
This topic is based on the Kristin Battista-Frazee’s, #MacroSW partner and chat host @porndaughter, upcoming article in Social Work Today entitled High Tech Social Worker: Myth or Reality?
We will explore how social workers can become more tech savvy to avoid being left behind in the healthcare profession of the 21st century and discuss the challenges in using technology in practice. Also, our top professional associations are finalizing the technology standards in social work practice which are due out this spring. This guidance will have an indelible impact on the social work profession, so let’s share any last thoughts in addition to the many thoughtfully comments already submitted to NASW and the committee.
Questions to Discuss
- What are the ways technology has impacted social work practice the most?
- What are the pros and cons of technology in social work practice?
- What are the barriers for social workers using technology?
- Some social workers are resistant to adapting to technology, how can we help them catch-up?
- What do you hope will be reflected in the updated technology standards in social work practice due out this spring 2017?
- Is the high-tech social worker a myth or reality?
Resources
- Practice Innovation through Technology in the Digital Age: A Grand Challenge for Social Work, Stephanie Cosner Berzin, Jonathan Singer, and Chitat Chan
- Harness Technology for Social Good, Grand Challenges for Social Work, Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare
- Tech and Inequality, MIT Tech Review
- Pew Research Center, Internet Science and Technology
- University at Buffalo School of Social Work, Technology in Social Work Resources
About #MacroSW:
#MacroSW is a collaboration of social workers, organizations, social work schools, and individuals working to promote macro social work practice. Macro social work practice focuses on changing larger systems, such as communities and organizations. It encompasses a broad spectrum of actions and ideas, ranging from community organizing and education to legislative advocacy and policy analysis. The chats are held weekly on Twitter every Thursday at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PST). Click here for a list of chat partners. For information about how to participate in the #MacroSW chat, view our FAQs. For chat schedule and chat archives check out: http://macrosw.com
