10-minute Recorded Presentation

Technology Use Journal

FOR FIRST OFFER 2026
Technology, particularly digital platforms and devices have become ubiquitous in contemporary social work practice. In social work, technology can be understood and used as a tool for agency administration, record keeping, and outcomes and performance measurement, as well as a space for service user engagement, advocacy, and interaction. However, social workers often find themselves utilising technology without having clear boundaries, policies, professional access, knowledge or adequate training. Thus, there are both risks and opportunities presented by technology to social work practice.
This elective enables students to critically examine the use and influence of digital technology in everyday social work practice. Students will identify the local and international gaps and compelling tensions within practice standards, policies, ethical guidelines and access, as they consider the rapid development of technology in broader society. As they develop nuanced knowledge and skills in the use of technology, they will be better prepared for ethical, critical and discerning use of technology in their socially just practice with individuals, groups and communities.

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New Degrees in 2022

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Aviation

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Media & Communication

School of Creative Arts

School of Surveying & Built Environment

Department of Fine Arts

School of Education

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School of Nursing and Midwifery

Department of Computer Science

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Graduate Research School

School of Law and Justice

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School of Accounting

College for First Nations

School of Computer Science

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School of Agriculture and Environmental Science

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School of Mathematics, Physics & Computing

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Department of Statistics

Faculty of Business

Ethics and risk management in online and distance social work

Social work and social media

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Private Study

SWM6008 - “Can technology replace social work?”: Technology and Social Work for the 21st Century

“Can technology replace social work?”: Technology and Social Work for the 21st Century

Articulate a blended approach to social work practice and technology, ensuring critical and ethical use

Apply technology aware skills to social work practice scenarios with individuals, groups and communities

Critically summarise ethical and moral issues related to the use of technology in society, and the social work role in upholding social justice and human dignity to address digital equity, digital divide and digital exclusion for individuals, groups and communities

Describe the impacts and influence of technology (for example digital platforms and devices, and artificial intelligence) to contemporary social work practice and ongoing continuous professional development

SWM6008-TR3-ON-IPSCH

UniSQ Handbook

SWM6008 - “Can technology replace social work?”: Technology and Social Work for the 21st Century

0.5 Units