Using an Online Support Site to Extend the Learning to a Graduate Field Practicum in the United States

Abstract

An online support site was constructed for graduate social work students at San Diego State University in California during their first‐year field practicum. A study was conducted to explore and describe the attitudes of these students toward the usefulness of the site's online features. Students participated in the site through the Blackboard Software Platform by adding discussion threads to asynchronous forums on an online discussion board, receiving information through online announcements, accessing field‐related materials through the site, and engaging in an online network. The most useful forum was related to the learning plan that students were required to complete in planning and organizing their field practicum experience. Students reported that the most useful feature of the site was the ability to access timely information through the online announcements from the Field Education Program.

Keywords:

• Online Support Site
• Field Practicum
• Use of Technology
• Field Education

Notes

^aRow percentages are presented. Column percentages are presented in parentheses.

^bChi‐square statistical tests were not significant at p<0.05.

^cχ² = 15.27, df = 4, p = 0.004.