History and Development of Instructional Technology and Media in Social Work Education

Abstract

Since the mid-20th century, instructional technologies and educational media in social work education have undergone significant development with the goals of improving learning and performance and enhancing access. This growth has been marked by technical advances in hardware and by innovations in media, or so-called soft formats. Current distance education and Web-based instructional programs allow for the enrichment of onsite instructional activities as well as open possibilities for the ever-expanding outreach of social work educational programs. The article describes the evolution of instructional technology and media in social work and reviews the historical contributions of 8 pioneering schools.