Doctor of Social Work Capstone Reports

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Browsing Doctor of Social Work Capstone Reports by Subject "BSW"

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    Evaluating Engagement in the University of Alabama’s Distance Learning BSW Program
    Jaime, Stephanie; Ruggiano, Nicole; Traylor, Amy; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    Distance learning can often feel like an isolating experience. Because of this, engagement is an essential component. This study involves an evaluation of The University of Alabama’s Distance Learning BSW program to evaluate the program’s strengths and areas of needed improvement, specifically looking at engagement within the program. The data will be used for overall program development and to promote engagement between students and instructors. The evaluation included focus groups, individual instructors' surveys, individual student interviews, and a student questionnaire. The data collection tools used included focus group/individual interview questions and survey questions. Student and instructor focus groups and interviews were conducted over Zoom. Student surveys were conducted utilizing Qualitrics Operating System. Questions focused on student and instructor engagement, student readiness for the field, and program strengths and areas for improvement. Six instructors participated in two different focus groups, two in the first group and four in the second group. Two professors participated in individual interviews. Three students participated in individual interviews, and 21 students participated in a survey. Data outcomes will help guide the program with areas of opportunity for improvement. Most students felt The University of Alabama’s Distance Learning BSW Program met their expectations and would recommend the program to family and peers. Field placement appears to be the major source of programmatic issues the students are experiencing. Students reported that, while they have been able to make connections and engage with their peers and instructors, it takes additional time and effort to connect through avenues not offered by the program, such as GroupMe. On the other hand, instructors felt that distance learning education is a self-guided experience, and the addition of synchronous class time would assist them and students in building rapport and feeling engaged. Instructors unanimously feel the learning management system is harder to use than other schools they are affiliated with. While instructors understand the desire for students to participate in a distance learning program, they do not hold their distance learning students to the same standard as traditional students. Overall, instructors feel supported by the program and director, and have a positive outlook on the program. Students and instructors acknowledge the extra effort taken to promote engagement in a distance learning program. Research on distance learning is prevalent in today’s education as higher education continues to grow and offer more hybrid models as well as fully distance learning programs. Data outcomes will help guide the program with areas of opportunity for improvement. It is important for schools of social work that offer distance learning programs to ensure that their programs are graduating competent and field-ready students.