iPolicy: Exploring and Evaluating the use of iPads in a Social Welfare Policy Course

Abstract

Social work education has been transformed with the advent of modern digital technologies such as social media. A focus on using new technology to create engaging and creative educational opportunities for modern students comes with benefits and challenges. The following provides an exploration and evaluation of how iPads were used in a Social Welfare Policy course. Students report positive results using the iPad to engage in the course content and assignments. Results also demonstrate that mobile devices can be both distracting and helpful in completing coursework. A description of a Policy Advocacy assignment using the iPad is also provided.

KEYWORDS:

• advocacy
• education
• technology