the value of e-learning opportunities to prepare social work students for child safeguarding...
TRANSCRIPT
Anne Llewellyn and Tracey Race15.4.15
The value of e-learning opportunities to prepare social work students for child safeguarding practice
Aims of the sessionTo explore the challenge of providing realistic
learning opportunities for social work students to develop skills and knowledge in a safe environment
To discuss the use of virtual learning tools to replicate social work practice
Continuing challenges of safeguarding vulnerable
children
Munro identified 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).
The challengeProviding an authentic learning environment for
child safeguarding
Integrating theory and practice
Providing opportunities for real time decision making and judgements
The pedagogy
Kolb’s experienti
al learning
cycle
1. Experiencing – immersing
yourself in the task
2. Reflection – what did you
notice?
3. Conceptualisation – what does it
mean?
4. Planning – what will
happen next? What will you
change?
A solution Photo-realistic immersive learning experience
(Learnscape), using actors for learner to engage with
Assessments built into Learnscape
Feedback and remediation loops built in
Key documents embedded so learner can read them in the context of the practice
Development of skills for child and family social work (Department for Education, 2014)
Development of skills for child and family social
workBuild purposeful, effective relationships with
children and families
Be able to communicate clearly, sensitively and effectively using best evidence methods with children of different ages and abilities, their families and the professional system
Be able to recognise the risk indicators of different forms of harm to children
(Department for Education, 2014)
AdvantagesLearner can work through at own pace
Learner can learn from mistakes in a safe environment
Can use the learnscape on any computer at any time – flexible
Engages learner in construction of their own knowledge
Subjective and Objective knowledge integration
Engages with emotional context of practice environment
Allows emotions to be felt in a safe environment
Models good practice for managing self
Promotes self-awareness
Develops learning from experience
Student Evaluation
So overall, I really like it as a learning tool. It feels 'real' and I think it is a gentle and safe way of preparing us to go into peoples homes and work meaningfully with them.
This has changed the way that I
think about doing an assessment. It
helped me to think more holistically