The new informational paradigm: Developing practice-led approaches to the use of mobile ICT in social work

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has profound impacts on society as people integrate technology into their lives. Social work is similarly influenced by ICT as workplaces, individual practitioners and clients adopt new forms of technology and this has prompted an increasing focus on the implications of technology on all aspects of professional practice. Drawing on the work of Spanish sociologist Manuel Castells as its theoretical foundation, this article reports on a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project that sought to understand the potential practice-led integration of ICTs with traditional social work practice at an organisation in rural Victoria, Australia. Eight part..