This research explores the use of simulation technology in supporting and preparing social work students (n = 336) for core professional skills needed for practice. This study utilized a randomized experimental design using a 3 × 3 between-subjects design to assess the impact of the type of simulation (e.g. traditional written case studies, video-based simulations, and live actor simulations) and type of scenario (e.g. family/domestic violence, suicide/mental health and hospital/medical) on social work student’s ability to undertake a psychosocial assessment. Results showed that students developed more comprehensive psychosocial assessments when presented with video simulations compared to traditional methods, using actors or written case studies. This research builds evidence for social work to embrace the use of simulation to develop these skills for students in a practice setting that removes not only the fear of doing harm but also the real possibility of harm in complex scenarios. Social work field education is under increasing pressure to meet professional standards, especially with the impact of the COVID pandemic. Thus, the profession must consider alternatives for training students including utilizing technology. While many other professional disciplines incorporated the use of simulation in training, social work has been slow to embrace this trend while favoring traditional teaching methods.

Social work field education is facing unprecedented challenges (e.g., increasing student numbers and limited availability of complex scenario placements due to the COVID pandemic). Students need skills in complex scenarios, but exposure to these situations are limited in available placements. This article explored the literature on using simulation in Australian social work education and addressed the challenges and opportunities surrounding this emerging technology. The results revealed a significant gap in the literature on simulation in social work education, which supports the need for exploring and testing authentic simulation-based learning. Effective methods to assess and support students’ practice competencies are critical for ethical and effective pedagogies. IMPLICATIONS

Given the change in social work education due to COVID-19, the use of simulation within social work field education provides a strategy to assist with skill development and training. The purpose of this study was to explore how simulation was utilised during COVID-19. A mixed-methods online survey was sent to social work academics and field educators within Australia (n = 33). Barriers to using simulation included costs, lack of expertise, technology, concerns regarding the limiting of student’s real-world practice opportunities and accreditation issues. The inclusion of simulation in field education has promise in skill development and allows student exposure to complex scenarios.

Higher education is tasked with the challenge of producing graduate-ready professionals. Thus, alternative learning and assessment activities are needed to provide students with real-life complex experiences, particularly in fields like social work. This quasi-experimental design study explored the effectiveness of H5P virtual simulation to teach assessment and direct practice skills to social work students (n = 80). Mixed-methods data based on the pre/post outcomes of skill development were analysed using descriptive and bi-variate analysis as well as thematic analysis for qualitative data. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test reveals significant outcomes in assessment and practice skills between pre- and post-measures. The qualitative findings include three key themes: (1) realism, (2) engagement, and (3) practice skills. This study provides evidence and highlights the importance of using virtual simulation to help students develop skills to manage complex real-world problems.