ICT and Social Work (SWK558)

SWK558 ICT and Social Work explores the transformative role of technology in contemporary social work practice and leadership. As digital tools and platforms increasingly influence service delivery, communication, data management, and client engagement, social work leaders must be prepared to adopt and critically assess technological innovations within ethical, inclusive, and client-centred frameworks. The course provides students with an understanding of current and emerging technologies relevant to the social service sector, including case management systems, tele-social work, data analytics, digital inclusion efforts, and the use of AI in decision-making. It addresses both opportunities and risks associated with digital transformation, such as privacy, accessibility, algorithmic bias, and professional boundaries. Students will also examine leadership roles in designing, implementing, and evaluating tech-enabled services that improve practice and promote social impact. Grounded in social work values, this module empowers students to be proactive, ethical, and strategic in leveraging technology to enhance equity, access, and effectiveness in social services.

• The digital transformation of Social Work
• Technology in case management and service delivery
• Tale-social practice and digital client engagement
• AI and algorithmic decision-making
• Ethic and risk management in tech-enabled practice
• Digital equity and inclusion
• Digital tools for community engagement
• Designing digital tools with empathy and sensitivity
• Supporting clients in online environments
• Co-design digital solutions with clients and communities
• Leadership and organisational readiness for digital changes
• Designing a tech-enabled solution in social work

• Critical evaluate the role of technology in transforming social work practice.
• Demonstrate awareness of digital inclusion, accessibility and equity issues.
• Assess and interpret technology-drive data for improving service planning and delivery.
• Explore opportunities and limitations of emerging technologies.
• Apply ethical frameworks to analyse the use of digital tools in social work.
• Design a tech-enabled intervention.