Moving down Stream

Using e-technology to enhance social work field education

Abstract

In 2009, Massey University introduced Moodle (aka Stream) as an institutional innovation to support and enhance teaching and learning. The social work field education (practicum) programme has embraced Stream as an opportunity to creatively advance current educative practices. The development of a meta-site for field education provides academics, students and field educators¹ a forum in which field education can be advanced. This paper will outline the rationale for a research project that examines the perspectives of field educators and academic staff on the opportunities and challenges associated with on-line teaching and learning in the field education area. The research will assess the value of the Stream environment and consider ways in which the current innovation can be further developed.