Online Educational Supervision of Social Work Students

Věra Malík Holasová

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this text is to reflect on the possibilities and limits of online educational supervision in the social work and to find out how students of the Department of Social Work FSS OU view the topic under study. THEORETICAL BASE: Educational supervision in social work is a specific tool of education and reflective learning that accompanies learners’ professional practice. In particular, the impact of the pandemic has increased the need for new forms of education – online forms. Online forms of supervision in education enable possibilities to connect over long distances and ensure fulfilment of academic goals. METHODS: Data were collected through interviews with focus groups of learners and then processed through qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed the limitations and benefits of the online form of supervision. Students perceived the dehumanizing atmosphere in the group, anxiety about online communication, inappropriate physical environment, technical difficulties, etc. as limits. The benefits of online supervision include accessibility, in terms of time, space, and finances, as well as further advantages in support, developmental functions, opportunities to foster more open communication, etc. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: Online educational supervision is one of the tools for professional development of social work students. To increase its quality, educators can focus on the development of digital competences of actors, standards of online educational supervision, technical infrastructure, etc.

Keywords
social work, practical education, educational supervision, online education, online educational supervision, students, qualitative research strategy

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