SIMULATION APPLICATIONS: A POTENTIAL APPROACH FOR TURKISH SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

Abstract

Social work education all over the world is reshaped within the framework of socialentrepreneurship, social innovation, the use of information and communication technologies,role-play simulations of clients by actors, and simulation applications involving computerbasedvirtual reality. In social work simulation programs and applications prepared accordingto certain scenarios and cases, students may be expected to observe, to make certaindecisions, to use professional skills, to measure empathic responding abilities and to evaluatethe course of professional intervention methods while working with clients. On the other hand,although computer-based virtual reality simulations lack sincerity in face-to-face role-playing,they have some strong benefits in traditional prevention or intervention program formats. Whileaccessing this technology has become easier in the world than ever, this is a dream not yetrealized in Turkey in social work education presentation. Ultimately, this article aimed to directsocial work educators to use simulation methodology and techniques. Fortunately, there areprofessionals and academicians who feel the need for revision of social work education inTurkey with new technological developments, understand the contribution of technologicalknowledge and communication, and advocate the use of social entrepreneurship, innovationand simulation techniques in education.