TR
EN
The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis
Öz
Distance education in social work offers numerous benefits and diverse experiences, particularly regarding the profession’s development and inclusivity. Despite these advantages, significant challenges are also associated with this mode of education. While existing research has predominantly examined distance education experiences during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic from student perspectives, this study provides a post-crisis, decision-maker-centered analysis spanning both mandatory and voluntary remote education periods (2021–2024). This study explores the strengths and weaknesses of distance social work education and raises awareness about the opportunities and threats (SWOT) related to this educational model. Conducted by qualitative research procedures, this study involved in-depth interviews with 12 academics serving as department chairs or vice-chairs in social work departments. They were involved in decision-making and organizing processes during mandatory remote education periods. The data analysis revealed that the main strengths of distance social work education include accessibility, advanced teaching techniques, and flexibility. In contrast, its weaknesses include the digital divide, technical and copyright issues, and challenges in interpersonal skills development. The opportunities of this educational model encompass global solidarity and justice, access to practice examples, and the promotion of a hybrid model. At the same time, threats include the high cost of technology, concerns about educational quality, and security and ethical issues. Crucial recommendations are provided to improve distance social work education practices, such as reducing the digital divide, enhancing technological access, developing interaction and relationship skills, establishing a clear framework for record security and confidentiality, and devising strategies to impart practical skills in an online environment.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
- Afrouz, R., & Lucas, J. (2023). A systematic review of technology-mediated social work practice: Benefits, uncertainties, and future directions. Journal of Social Work, 23, 953- 974. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173231165926
- Al Lily, A. E., Ismail, A. F., Abunasser, F. M., & Alqahtani, R. H. A. (2020). Distance education as a response to pandemics: Coronavirus and Arab culture. Technology in Society, 63, 101317. 10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101317
- Alston, S. T., Moore, C. S., & Thomas, M. (2017). Strategies for enhancing online teaching in social work education. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 27(5), 412-423. 10.1080/10911359.2017.1311817
- Aqda, M., Hamidi, F., & Ghorbandordinejad, F. (2011). The impact of constructivist and cognitive distance instructional design on the learner’s creativity. Procedia Computer Science, 3, 260-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2010.12.044
- Baker, E., & Jenney, A. (2022). Virtual simulations to train social workers for competency-based learning: A scoping review. Journal of Social Work Education, 59, 8- 31. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2022.2039819
- Barsky, A. E. (2019). Technology in field education: Managing ethical issues. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 37, 241-254. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2019.1578326
- Blondeel, E., Everaert, P., & Opdecam, E. (2022). Stimulating higher education students to use online formative assessments: The case of two mid-term take-home tests. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 47(2), 297-312. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2021.1908516
- Chung, J. (1991). Collaborative learning strategies: The design of instructional environments for the emerging new school. Educational Technology, 31(6), 15-22. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44427555
Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Sosyal Program Değerlendirmesi, Sosyal Hizmetler (Diğer)
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Yayımlanma Tarihi
29 Temmuz 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
13 Ekim 2025
Kabul Tarihi
30 Haziran 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 37 Sayı: 3
APA
Kırlıoğlu, M., Akarçay Ulutaş, D., & Ustabaşı Gündüz, D. (2026). The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet, 37(3), 1023-1048. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.1802956
AMA
1.Kırlıoğlu M, Akarçay Ulutaş D, Ustabaşı Gündüz D. The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet. 2026;37(3):1023-1048. doi:10.33417/tsh.1802956
Chicago
Kırlıoğlu, Mehmet, Demet Akarçay Ulutaş, ve Dilara Ustabaşı Gündüz. 2026. “The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis”. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet 37 (3): 1023-48. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.1802956.
EndNote
Kırlıoğlu M, Akarçay Ulutaş D, Ustabaşı Gündüz D (01 Temmuz 2026) The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet 37 3 1023–1048.
IEEE
[1]M. Kırlıoğlu, D. Akarçay Ulutaş, ve D. Ustabaşı Gündüz, “The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis”, Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet, c. 37, sy 3, ss. 1023–1048, Tem. 2026, doi: 10.33417/tsh.1802956.
ISNAD
Kırlıoğlu, Mehmet - Akarçay Ulutaş, Demet - Ustabaşı Gündüz, Dilara. “The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis”. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet 37/3 (01 Temmuz 2026): 1023-1048. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.1802956.
JAMA
1.Kırlıoğlu M, Akarçay Ulutaş D, Ustabaşı Gündüz D. The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet. 2026;37:1023–1048.
MLA
Kırlıoğlu, Mehmet, vd. “The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis”. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet, c. 37, sy 3, Temmuz 2026, ss. 1023-48, doi:10.33417/tsh.1802956.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Kırlıoğlu, Demet Akarçay Ulutaş, Dilara Ustabaşı Gündüz. The Experience of Distance Social Work Education: A SWOT Analysis. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet. 01 Temmuz 2026;37(3):1023-48. doi:10.33417/tsh.1802956