Digital skills in social work education: a human rights issue?

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ABSTRACT Through a social justice lens, this article explores the growing digitalization of society that created ripe environments for a deepening digital divide that impacts access to the modern digital world for vulnerable populations in the European Union, Spain, and the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic response highlighted the need for and use of digital technology and skills, which brought the digital divide between the world’s regions, countries, and societies to the forefront. This digital divide is defined as the lack of access or adoption of high-speed internet/broadband services. As of 2016, the UN recognized the need to acknowledge internet access as a vehicle to reach other human rights, such as the right to work or access basic education. In today’s post-pandemic society, it has become more evident that the lack of access to the internet hinders access to information, services, and participation in the socio-political landscape. In social work higher education, the increase in the quality of eLearning and digitalization transformed the way teaching and learning happen and the perception of distance learning. Recommendations regarding including digital skills in every aspect of the social work curricula using a human rights framework are included.