Beyond the Online versus On-campus Debate: Leveraging Technology in a CoI Framework to Enhance Student and Faculty Presence in the MSW Classroom

ABSTRACT

While research typically utilizes Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) to evaluate online education programs (OEP) compared to on-campus programs (OCP), little attention is given to other qualitative elements which enhance student social presence or faculty teaching presence. The authors examine the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and demonstrate how MSW programs with an OEP can incorporate elements to enhance student learning. Research and data included will attempt to move the discussion beyond the OEP versus OCP debate and include more pertinent ideas regarding the importance and impact of leveraging technology in MSW social work education.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work education
• online education programs
• student learning outcomes
• community of inquiry
• edtech

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.