Using Pinterest in Undergraduate Social Work Education: Assignment Development and Pilot Survey Results

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article describes the development, implementation, and assessment of a social media assignment using Pinterest as a tool for student engagement and professional development in two undergraduate social work courses. Twenty-one undergraduate students enrolled in Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE) courses completed the assignment and a pilot survey, which assessed the students’ learning environment and reported learning outcomes. Results show that undergraduate social work students are familiar with social media for personal use but need guidance when applying social media to professional contexts. Further, students reported positive learning outcomes when using Pinterest as a tool to assess and curate professional content on HBSE topics. Implications for social work education and suggestions for future research are also provided.