Social Work E-Placements During COVID-19: Learnings of Staff and Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes and explores e-placements that engaged social work students in semester one of 2020 due to placement disruption after the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. The term “e-placement” describes a placement undertaken off site from the placement organisation or agency. Students at James Cook University (JCU), Queensland, Australia, who could not continue in on-site placements were offered the opportunity to participate in a Community Connector Project (CCP) to complete their placement. The aims of the project were to provide an online supported placement experience in order to deliver a comprehensive and interactive learning experience for students to meet the learning outcomes of a field education experience, work with the community to explore community needs during the pandemic, share and distribute existing information and resources, and develop further information and resources. Twenty students chose to participate in the CCP. The project included biweekly meetings, small group work, and individual work. This paper was written collaboratively between field education staff, students, and a service provider. It presents practice reflections on the project and the project’s outcomes, challenges, and learning. Implications for educational practice are drawn. IMPLICATIONS Students in e-placements can feel overwhelmed and isolated and need targeted support and rich opportunities for collaboration and exchange. E-placements can be valuable learning opportunities. E-placements are resource intensive if student learning and safety are to be prioritised.