What would you do?
September 15, 2011 1 Comment
I’ve been invited to lead a workshop on technology and social work for BSW conference in October and I’m wondering what would be some good topics to incorporate? I plan on talking about the various social media tools and how they can be used by BSW students entering the workforce, for instance LinkedIn for networking, and I’m going to discuss some various tech tools that I think could be used easily in practice, such as Smartphones for taking case notes. This is nothing new as the folks at the University of Minnesota featured a conference on technology and social work practice among Child welfare workers several months ago. They also put together a publication referencing various studies other resources on technology in practice. You can find CW360 by clicking here.
I also thought about moving along the micro-macro continuum and where technology fits in, but I have yet to develop that thought any further. So I simply wanted to pose the question to you. What would you do? What do you think BSW students need to learn about technology and social work? I look forward to your comments/suggestions.
About jimmysw
JimmySW 
assuming BSW’s will mostly being doing some sort of case management/providing concrete services, I think helping clients access technology is key. I know socialworktechblog.com has mentioned helping clients obtain phone # via google voice, there’s also safelinkwireless.com that allows low income folks receiving assistance a free cellphone with limited number of free mins/month.
I have heard of people use google translate when translator was not available when needing to communicate with non english speakers.
generally helping client use the technology they have to the fullest extent or orienting them to tech -using calendar feature on their phones to remind them of appts, getting the most out of their smartphones, where to access free wifi, creating electronic copies of important info about health, resume, etc.
good luck with that talk