CROSSING BORDERS THROUGH CYBERSPACE: A SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE PROJECT ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

This presentation discusses a trial electronic exchange project developed between social work education departments in the Republic of Ireland and the USA. It outlines the contemporary significance and challenges of integrating global content into national social work curricula, which are often strongly tied to statutory or accreditation requirements. The mechanics of the exchange are explained and critiqued in detail. An illustrative example of how the transnational students discussed two questions is analysed. The projects finds that an international electronic exchange has great potential to make global social work real to students by allowing them to cross borders through cyberspace; however it requires careful planning and attention to cultural and educational system differences.