Social Work and ICT

Book excerpt: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become an integral part of social and working lives. Within social work ICTs play a vital role, helping professionals to store and share information and contributing to new forms of practice. This book goes a step further than simply describing ICT skills, but asks why ICT is used and how this affects practice and the experience of people who use services. The book has a practical focus and includes guidance on: Best Practice for Social Work and ICT ICT Use in Social Work Service Users, Carers and ICT Technology and Professional Practice ICT and Social Work Agencies Social Work Programmes in the Virtual World ICT and Practice Based Learning Written in a student-friendly style, Social Work and ICT is interspersed with activities and exercises to enable students to develop their skills and knowledge. Each chapter also includes a ′Taking it Further′ section with useful websites, suggestions for further reading and ideas to improve practice. The book has been designed to enhance professional practice and it will be essential reading for all undergraduate programmes in social work.