Utilizing Video Conferencing to Introduce an International Perspective to Foundation Practice

Abstract

Video conferencing has much potential to enrich international social work education. In this educational initiative, video conferencing was used to deliver a joint foundation social work practice class to students attending an MSW degree program both in the United States and in Ireland. Student feedback indicated that they gained an appreciation of the global nature of social work practice. They reported a deeper understanding of shared theoretical perspectives in relation to client engagement, and of the differences in many fields of practice. Students recommended additional opportunities for international discourse using both synchronous and asynchronous distance education methods.

Keywords:

• international social work
• distance learning
• distance education
• video conferencing
• online learning

Notes

¹Fordham University is a large private Jesuit University with campuses in New York City and Westchester County in New York. University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland's largest public university.