Current Challenges in Social Work Distance Education: Responses from the Elluminati

Abstract

One of the first tasks of the Social Work Distance Education Network at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary was to review the literature and address three research questions to inform policy making and planning relating to distance social work education programming. This paper is intended to disseminate responses to these questions from a small group of dedicated and experienced distance educators who have adopted the moniker Elluminati. (The Elluminati adapted their name from a popular online audio-conferencing program.) These questions include: (1) What is the optimal class size for a distance delivery offering? (2) What supports does an online course require for development and effective delivery? (3) What types of courses are suitable/unsuitable for online learning?

Keywords:

• e-learning
• distance education
• social work
• class size
• teaching

Notes

¹As Canada has two official languages, French and English, bilingual services are required for programs offered by federal government agencies. In Canada, there are many social work education programs available in either French or English, and a few of them offer social work education programming in both official languages. The Faculty of Social Work follows the mandate of the University of Calgary, which is to offer courses in English. Cost constraints limit our ability to also offer coursework in French. Students seeking instruction in French therefore would be referred to a Canadian university offering such courses.