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ABSTRACT
In this concept paper, the authors explore online learning in social work and how IV-E education has been and will continue to be impacted. An empirical estimate of the national prevalence of online IV-E social work degree options is presented. Using Colorado as a case example, the authors share some of the opportunities and challenges presented by online education. Universities in Colorado have realized that online education connects rural and indigenous communities, reduces the need for students to relocate, and promotes a well-prepared, qualified child welfare workforce, but online options also challenge programs with localization issues. With connectivity increased and the physical location of students becoming less and less relevant, IV-E child welfare education providers need a proactive national dialogue to further assess the benefits and barriers to IV-E partnerships across state lines and the development of promising approaches in this area. The recruitment and retention of a well-educated and prepared child welfare workforce is critical for positive outcomes for children and families. Online social work education continues to grow nationwide. Now is the time for a national workgroup, including a broad group of stakeholders, to explore how the IV-E community will respond to online delivery of social work education.
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank Kathy Clark, Colorado Department of Human Services, and Dr. Walter LaMendola, Professor Emeritus, University of Denver, for their thoughtful contributions and earlier reviews of this paper.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kate Trujillo
Kate Trujillo, PhD, LCSW is an Assistant Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver). Dr. Trujillo is the Principal Investigator for the MSU Denver Title IV-E Stipend program and oversees the MSU Denver curriculum related to child welfare.
Lara Bruce
Lara Bruce, MSW is a Senior Program Associate on the Organizational Development and Capacity Building team for the Butler Institute for Families. Ms. Bruce coordinates the Title IV-E educational stipend program for the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) at the University of Denver.
Ann Obermann
Ann Obermann, PhD, LCSW is an Assistant Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She also serves as the Distance Education Coordinator in the Department of Social Work.