Innovation
A digital storyboard was created, which provides an interactive learnscape where student practitioners act as a qualified social worker within the virtual learning environment, following the process of a child protection case. The University partnered with Toolwire, specialist providers of experiential learning solutions, to develop a new Immersive Learning Environment, which enables social work students to develop real-life skills and experience. By combining online experiential learning technologies and expert content from the university’s subject leaders and advanced practitioners specializing in child protection, the partnership created a learnscape, a digital media simulation that replicates real social work practice in virtual locations. Students are taken through observations and risk assessments and required to interact with parents, children and other members of the multi-disciplinary team who are engaged in the child protection process. Assessments are embedded throughout the learnscape for students to evaluate their learning and key documents are signposted to develop knowledge in context.
What prompted innovation?
Successive reports into child abuse and child deaths (Laming Report 2003, 2009; Munro Report, 2011) have identified the need for social work professionals to be better equipped with the skills to manage child protection cases, making judgements based on sound evidence and having the confidence and skills to make decisions to protect the vulnerable from harm. These reports have identified the continuing challenges of safeguarding vulnerable children and have explored the role of education in preparing graduate social workers who have the skills and knowledge to “make the best judgments they can to protect a vulnerable child” (Munro Report, 2011: 6). Historically, experiential learning has been an essential component of social work education through practice placements, but it was felt that technological developments offered an opportunity to provide an authentic learning experience in the virtual world in order to better prepare students for their placements
What makes innovation different?
Learning through real life scenario, with question/answer/tasks for the students to complete as the scenario develops, feedback loops are included.
Changes in practice
- Greater knowledge of students
- Ability to be more confident in key aspects of challenging practice
- Early practice of complex regulations and practice
Impact
- Student feedback/student evaluation
- Additional investment of the Faculty
- Winner of Gold with Toolwire for best external learning project of the year
- Social Work Departments/HEIs around the country are interested in it
Dissemination
- HEI’s with Social Work as part of their curriculum
- Council of Deans of Health
- Submitted by the University for consideration in the Times Higher Awards under Outstanding ICT Initiatives of the Year