The Use of the World Wide Web by Undergraduate Social Work Education Programs

Abstract

Social work education programs have begun to use the World Wide Web as a means of providing an educational tool and a delivery system for information about their programs. This paper provides an introduction to Web concepts, describes a procedure for creating a simple Web site, and investigates current use of the Web by BSW programs. It was found that 125, (39.1 percent) BSW programs have a social work Web site. The types and quality of information provided varied widely among programs. Programs provide information on mission, course descriptions, faculty descriptions, admissions requirements, and curriculum. In addition, almost half of programs offered a means for students to contact the program through e-mail. Only a small number of programs provided other program specific information such as syllabi, newsletters, financial aid, alumni information, or policy manuals. Approximately one-third of the programs provided links to other sources on the Internet. Only 14 percent of programs' sites were rated excellent by students. The potential of the World Wide Web to promote information sharing among social work programs and organizations is discussed.