Using interactive animations to support supervision relationships for social work students

Abstract

Interactive animations (IA) as a learning tool have been used in higher education to enhancethe learning of students. In combination with the practices of work integrated learning (WIL) this study aimed to develop a suite of interactive animations to support the learning of social work students on placement. Specifically, the interactive animations focused on enhancing the relationship between the student and their placement supervisor. Using a mixed method design this study utilised a collaborative approach to develop and explore the potential for using interactive animations in the teaching of Field Education (FE) in social work. The results of the study found that the use of interactive animations was viewed as a positive and useful approach by students and supervisors. Specifically, the use of short animations, with targeted messages was found to be innovative and provided an enhanced WIL experience. Suggestions for future research are explored and presented.