Pedagogical model for utilizing Second Life in blended course for future social workers

Abstract

The social work is facing the biggest change in its history due to exponential grow of digital technologies. Traditional social work in web-based world is transforming in Social Work 2.0, which includes online support for clients via SMS, email, videoconferencing and even virtual worlds like Second Life (SL). SL gives social worker opportunities to reach more clients and to work with them in environment, which is different and specifically designed for every client. Social work education still does not recognize the potential of this new reality and thus is not prepared to educate future social workers for using it. This article address the opportunities for integration of SL in the field of social work and present pedagogical model for utilizing SL potential in blended course for future social workers. The model is based on theoretical frame and survey conducted with undergraduate students from Social work university course.