Program Overview

Program Overview

The micro-credential in Digital Technologies in Human Services is designed to meet the digital skill needs of professionals working in human services, such as social work and social care work, and those who manage such services. The program aims to increase learners' awareness of the use of digital technologies in human services and to increase their ability to assess the benefits and challenges of implementing technology in human service work.

Course Details

• Number of Places: 60
• Next Intake: February 2022
• Course Director: Dr. Julie Byrne
• Closing Date: 7th January 2022

Admission Requirements

• NFQ Level 8
• CV
• University transcript

Program Description

The use of digital technologies in the provision of human services, such as social work, health, and education, has gained momentum following the 'pivot' in response to Covid-19. Supported by a European and national policy agenda driving digital transformation, human services are increasingly delivered and managed partly or wholly using such technologies. The program aims to provide learners with an understanding of the policy context and other drivers of digital technology use in human services and the considerable scope for the use of such technologies in human service delivery.

Program Objectives

• Increase learners' awareness of the use of digital technologies in human services
• Increase learners' ability to assess the benefits and challenges of implementing technology in human service work
• Develop practice skills through the evaluation of technology's impact on professional practice, including reach and social presence, privacy, boundaries, risk, and relationship management

Program Structure

The program is designed to facilitate an assessment of the benefits and challenges associated with technology use in human services, given the distinctive features of organizations that provide human services, such as co-production with service users and complex contexts subject to statutory regulation and political influence. Learners will engage directly with the benefits and challenges of digital technologies for their own employers through the program.