Challenges of ICT Integration in Social Work Practicums in African Higher Education: A Systematic Review

Mmathato Calphurnia Rammutla

doi:10.36923/ijsser.v6i1.260

Open Access Article Sociology

Mmathato Calphurnia Rammutla ⁽¹⁾

(1) Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa

https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v6i1.260

Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024): Continue

Submitted
July 29, 2024

Published
October 2, 2024

Keywords:

Social Work Online Practicums, ICT In Developing Countries, Higher Learning Institutions In Africa, Social Work Field Of Practice, Challenges

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Abstract

This systematic review explores the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing social work practicums within higher learning institutions across developing African nations. Key challenges identified include the absence of clear institutional policies for ICT integration, insufficient funding for welfare organizations, particularly from the South African Department of Social Development, and unreliable internet access in rural regions. Additionally, the lack of clarity within the Department of Education’s policy framework regarding appropriate technologies for educational curricula hinders students’ practical experiences. Using the PRISMA methodology, this review analyzed 65 peer-reviewed articles selected from an initial retrieval of 320 sources from databases such as Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. The inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured relevance to the topic of ICT challenges in social work education. The findings highlight a pressing need for revised policies and the introduction of new legislation to address the technological barriers that limit social work students’ access to essential resources like Wi-Fi, digital infrastructure, and institutional support. These challenges are particularly acute in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, where limited technological infrastructure and financial constraints impede progress. Nonetheless, the development of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines, the introduction of affordable technologies, and the establishment of a robust national policy framework for ICT integration can significantly improve the quality of social work practicums, facilitating better alignment between theory and practice.

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Authors

Mmathato Calphurnia Rammutla

Department of Social Work, University of South Africa

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8141-7198

mathebacalifornia@gmail.com (Primary Contact)

Author Biography

Mmathato Calphurnia Rammutla, Department of Social Work, University of South Africa

Ms Rammutla is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of South Africa and a dedicated PhD candidate at the University of Kwazulu-Natal. Her role involves guiding students in their experimental learning. Ms. Rammutla has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of substance abuse, trauma and attachment. She is an enthusiastic community developer who has made remarkable benefaction to various engaged scholarship projects. Ms. Rammutla has made significant contributions to the curriculum development for different higher learning institutions.

Rammutla, M. C. (2024). Challenges of ICT Integration in Social Work Practicums in African Higher Education: A Systematic Review. Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review, 6(1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v6i1.260

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