An evaluation of the field education processes of social work students engaged in distance learning

Distance education, when compared to traditional education, offers both advantages and disadvantages. The primary aim of this research is to determine the evaluations of professionals who provide consultancy in practice institutions within the scope of social work education provided through distance education. The research was designed using a quantitative method. The research population consists of professionals who provide consultancy to students enrolled in social work programs offered through distance education during their internships within the Ministry of Family and Social Services. The study aimed to reach the entire population, and a total of 109 professionals participated in the research. The research data were collected through a questionnaire, and IBM SPSS 27.0 software was used for data processing and analysis. The findings of the research indicate that while distance education offers advantages such as accessibility and flexibility, it also presents significant challenges, particularly in acquiring practical skills and developing professional competencies. These findings once again emphasize how critical it is to balance the theoretical and practical components of social work education. In conclusion, while distance education has potential advantages in social work education, it also carries significant limitations, particularly in terms of acquiring practical skills and developing professional competencies.