A Qualitative Inquiry into the Use of a Virtual Platform during a Crisis to Boost Social Work Competencies
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Introduction/Background: In March 2020, the global pandemic known as COVID-19 and corona virus affected every aspect of a person’s lived experience including social workers. Social work practitioners were restricted from attending in-person conferences and workshops because of the global pandemic shutdown. Receiving this education is critical to the development of social workers. The aims of the study were twofold: (1). To understand the benefits and challenges experienced by attendees of a virtual series; and (2). To explore the experiences of attendees of a virtual series. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between March 2021 and April 2022. Thirteen virtual learning series were offered to social workers in Alabama and beyond. These series included topics on current and emerging issues in social work education. After each virtual series, attendees received an email that included a self-administered 5-point Likert questionnaire via Qualtrics and CE contact verification form for 1.0 free contact hour. Results: Seven themes emerged from the thematically analyzed data. 634 respondents completed the questionnaire. 83% stated that they will be able to use this information in their work. The series on Self-care, Resilience and Healing in Social Work had the highest mean score (mean: 4.68) followed by Men in Social Work are Essential (mean:4.58). Discussion: Virtual learning offers intriguing opportunities for broadening and extending access to continuing education. These series must be accessible and equitable. Research suggests that there is little evidence to show that attending virtual learning series have any correlation to maintaining or improving the skills of a practicing professional.