Exploring essential digital competencies for gerontological social workers: A case study in China.
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| Title: | Exploring essential digital competencies for gerontological social workers: A case study in China. |
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| Authors: | Li, Yaru (AUTHOR), Chen, Honglin (AUTHOR), Hämäläinen, Juha (AUTHOR), An, Ning (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Educational Gerontology. Sep2026, Vol. 52 Issue 9, p1032-1046. 15p. |
| Subjects: | Elder care, Social workers, Focus groups, Digital health, Interviewing, Students, Thematic analysis, Clinical competence, Conceptual structures |
| Geographic Terms: | China |
| Abstract: | In today's digital society, digital competence is crucial for gerontological social workers (GSWs) to support the well-being of older adults and promote professional development. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding what essential digital competencies GSWs should have. This case study aims to explore the essential digital competencies for GSWs based on the DigComp 2.2 framework. Data were collected through reflective assignments from social work students (N = 44), focus group interviews with gerontological social work practitioners (N = 2) and in-depth interviews with nursing home employers (N = 2). Through thematic analysis, we summarized the essential digital competencies for GSWs as follows: 1) Searching for, filtering, and evaluating information and data in social work practice; 2) Using digital technologies for communication and interaction; 3) Creating digital content for social work service; 4) Protecting personal data and privacy in digital environments; and 5) Enhancing the social worker's digital competence for professional practice. These finding would inform future course development aimed at cultivating digital competencies for GSWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | In today's digital society, digital competence is crucial for gerontological social workers (GSWs) to support the well-being of older adults and promote professional development. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding what essential digital competencies GSWs should have. This case study aims to explore the essential digital competencies for GSWs based on the DigComp 2.2 framework. Data were collected through reflective assignments from social work students (N = 44), focus group interviews with gerontological social work practitioners (N = 2) and in-depth interviews with nursing home employers (N = 2). Through thematic analysis, we summarized the essential digital competencies for GSWs as follows: 1) Searching for, filtering, and evaluating information and data in social work practice; 2) Using digital technologies for communication and interaction; 3) Creating digital content for social work service; 4) Protecting personal data and privacy in digital environments; and 5) Enhancing the social worker's digital competence for professional practice. These finding would inform future course development aimed at cultivating digital competencies for GSWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 03601277 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03601277.2025.2535494 |
