The medium is the master: Postmodernism and hypertechnology in social work education

Social work, like other professions, finds itself influenced by postmodernism and hypertechnology. Social work educators are striving to adapt in the face of rapidity of knowledge expansion and of technological advancement, which impact the nature of pedagogy. Recent emphases on effectiveness and efficiency of technological innovations are overshadowing the questions of fit of techno-pedagogical systems with traditional social work values. There is evidence of a transformation of the understanding of the self as a virtual presence via electronic connection with other humans. Educators may equate their technological proficiency with teaching effectiveness and genuineness. Social work educators are encouraged to find ways to utilise technology to aid impartation of knowledge with active learners in ways that do not diminish personhood.