The Syllabus

• Where is Dr P?

An online, asynchronous class can feel as if the instructor is invisible.  Just so you know – I am here and involved.  There are several things I will be doing to make sure you get your questions answered and we can connect. 

• The first week of class you will provide an introductory post on our blog.  I will also be writing my own introductory post, although it will be a little different from yours.  Please add your photo as it helps me keep track of you all.  I am happy to schedule an “in-person” Zoom introductory meeting if any of you would like one.  Just send me an email request.

•  I will be participating in your Perusall discussions, usually later in the week they are assigned, after you have talked with each other first.  Then I will offer my perspective.  If you want to make sure I see your comments or if you want to ask specific questions during a Perusall discussion, just use @margaretpalmiter and I will be notified of your comment or question.  When you start typing my name, or any other student’s name, the list will come up to help you out.

•  Third, and finally, I am always available to schedule office hours with you anytime during the semester.  All you must do is email me – USING MY GSU EMAIL (NOT ICOLLEGE).

 Best Source of Information and Announcements

I will be making regular announcements throughout the semester.  Even though the material and assignments are available to you at the beginning of the semester, there will be times that I will make changes in assignments, due dates and readings. 

 When any of us create a class, we believe our process will communicate the material effectively and help you to learn what we are hoping you take away.  However, being human as we are, sometimes things don’t always work out the way we might like.  If I think you aren’t getting the material, are having trouble completing the assignments, or I just plain feel like things aren’t working the way I had hoped, I will make changes.

 You can find those changes in two places.  First, I will always put them right up front in the Announcements section on our class iCollege page.  Second, I will usually send you an email.  But I have learned that many of you don’t necessarily read your emails in a timely manner, so I would set up a notification in iCollege for any new announcements. 

We do not have a specific text for this course.  We will be reading a variety of articles, which are listed below.  In addition, we will be utilizing materials from the Center for Humane Tech. There will be several instructor videos, and you will watch the movie The Social Dilemma.  All of this is outlined in the General Course Outline which you can find HERE.  You can find the list of references to print HERE.

References for Technology and Social Work Practice

Balogun, A. K., Dada, S. N., Kazeem, O., & Bakare-Adesokan, K. A. (2025). Integrating telehealth services in social work practice for vulnerable groups. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25(1), 1984-1991. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.25.1.0248

Bibbs, T., Wolfe-Taylor, S., Alston, N., Barron, M., Beaudoin, L., Bradley, S., Glennon, A., Munoz-Najar, J., Nissen, L., Rios, J., Szlyk, H., Wells, A., Yi, J., & Young, J. (2023). Constructing the Future of Social Work Tech Habits of Mind With the Ethical OS. Advances in Social Work, 23(1), 132–147. https://doi.org/10.18060/24978

Craig, S.L., Iacono, G., Pascoe, R. et al. Adapting Clinical Skills to Telehealth: Applications of Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with LGBTQ+ Youth. Clin Soc Work J 49, 471–483 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00796-x

Hilty, D. M., Groshong, L. W., Coleman, M., Maheu, M. M., Armstrong, C. M., Smout, S. A., Crawford, A., Drude, K. P., & Krupinski, E. A. (2023). Best practices for technology in clinical social work and mental health professions to promote well-being and prevent fatigue. Clinical Social Work Journal, 51(3), 211–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-023-00865-3

Jiang, M., Zhao, Q., Li, J., Wang, F., He, T., Cheng, X., Yang, B. X., Ho, G. W. K., & Fu, G. (2024). A generic review of integrating artificial intelligence in cognitive behavioral therapy. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2407.19422

MacDonald, L. M.-H. (2022). Impact of working from home on addressing practitioner burnout and work–life balance in mental health. The Permanente Journal, 26(2), 77–82. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/21.186

National Association of Social Workers, Association of Social Work Boards, Council on Social Work Education, & Clinical Social Work Association. (2017). Standards for technology in social work practice. National Association of Social Workers.

If you need to include the URL for reference:
https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/NASW-Practice-Standards-Guidelines/Standards-for-Technology-in-Social-Work-Practice

Ratcliff, M. (2024). Social workers, burnout, and self-care: A public health issue. Delaware Journal of Public Health, 10(1), 26-29. https://doi.org/10.32481/djph.2024.03.05

Reamer, F. G. (2023). Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Emerging Ethical Issues. International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 20(2), 52-71. https://doi.org/10.55521/10-020-205

Reamer, F. G. (2024). Social Work Boundary Issues in the Digital Age: Reflections of an Ethics Expert. Advances in Social Work. https://doi.org/10.18060/26358

Ronad, I. (2025). Digital transformation in social work: Integrating technology for enhanced practice, outreach, and education. Journal of Social Work, 16(1), 116-126.   This source can be accessed at the following link:

https://bssspublications.com/PublishedPaper/Publish_700.pdf?v=638886298074625436

Sanders, C. K., & Scanlon, E. (2021). The digital divide is a human rights issue: Advancing social inclusion through social work advocacy. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 6(2), 130–143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-020-00147-9

Sieck, C. J., Sheon, A., Ancker, J. S., Castek, J., Callahan, B., & Siefer, A. (2021). Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health. NPJ Digital Medicine, 4(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8

Your assessment in this course consists of your Perusall discussions of the readings, the blog posts, and your final reflection paper.  You are required to complete these assignments when they are scheduled and due.  Here are details on each component of your assessment:

• Perusall: This is a form of class discussion that utilizes the specific content in the specific module.  I will provide questions and direction for the Perusall discussion.  These assignments will be scheduled for a specific week so you can interact with your fellow classmates.

• Blog Posts: These will not be simultaneous, but you will have a date the posts are due.  In addition to writing your own post, you are expected to read four of your classmates’ posts and comment on two of them.

• You have a final paper, which is a combination of your reflections on the class and questions about the specific material you have read. This paper will require references.

Please be aware that the PERUSALL DISCUSSIONS ON SPECIFIC READINGS WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR A SPECIFIC TIME!  The only way you can converse with each other on the material is if you are discussing it on a specific schedule.  That schedule is when the material is assigned.  You can always read and review material at your own pace; but you will need to be available on Perusall to discuss it during the assignment period. 

Perusall Discussions (7) = 35%
Blog Posts/ Responses (7) = 35%
Final Reflection Paper = 30%
TOTAL = 100%

Assignments – Additional information in the Course Outline

• Module 1 – One Week – Introduction to the class
  • Blog Post 1 where you introduce yourself to the class and me – Aug 30
• Module 2 – Two Weeks – The Framework and Setting the Stage
  • Week 1: Perusall Discussion 1 Digital Map & Setting the Stage – Aug 31 – Sept 6
  • Week 2: Blog Post 2 on Center for Humane Tech – Sept 13
• Module 3 – Four Weeks – Technology-mediated Practice at the Micro level
  • Week 1: Perusall Discussion 2 on Digital Transformations – Sept 14 – 20
  • Week 2: Blog Post 3 on Boundary issues in digital practice – Sept 27
  • Week 3: Perusall Discussion 3 of AI in social work and CBT – Sept 28 – Oct 4
  • Week 4: Blog Post 4 burnout in remote clinical practice – Oct 11
• Module 4 – Three weeks – Technology-mediated Practice at the MEZZO Level
  • Week 1: Perusall Discuss 4 of the movie The Social Dilemma – Oct 12 – 18
  • Week 2: Blog Post 6 on the digital divide articles – Oct 25
  • Week 3: Perusall discussion 5 on It Was the Damn Phones – Oct 26 – Nov 1
• Module 5 – 4 weeks – Technology-Mediated Practice at the MACRO level
  • Week 1: Perusall Discussion 6 on AI with CHT – Nov 2 – 8
  • Week 2: Blog Post 7 on the impact of AI on work – including social work – Nov 15
  • Week 3; Blog post 7 using AI – Nov 22
  • Week 4: Perusall discussion AI and democracy – Nov 30 – Dec 6
• Module 6 – Finals week – Final Reflection Paper
  • Final Reflection Paper – Where will tech take you in your social work practice?

How Perusall Works

I use Perusall in my classes for two reasons.  First, it can help you understand the required content faster and with greater comprehension.  When you are reading or watching video content, you can ask your question or make your comment immediately as you read or watch.  If your comment or question is related to what you are reading, you will highlight the section about which you are asking or commenting.  A classmate or I will respond to your comment or question.  You are asking in real time and we are responding in real time – just not necessarily at the same time. 

Second, it is forced collaboration between you and your classmates specifically related to content assigned in the class.   Yes, I said forced, because you must complete the Perusall assignment during a specific week of the class.  You will be discussing SPECIFIC content in the materials you are reading.  To achieve this goal, you will be collaboratively annotating the readings with others in your class. The help you’ll get and provide your classmates (even if you don’t know anyone personally) will get you past any questions quickly and make the process more fun.

Types of Perusall Assignments 

Review of Videos and Movies: There will be several videos you will watch during this semester.  These videos will be in Perusall for your to review and discuss.  There will also be questions for you to discuss in Perusall following your review of the movie The Social Dilemma.”  The intent is to watch the video as a group and comment on it in real time.  The movie, on the other hand, will require you to watch it before you engage in the Perusall conversation.

Reading Assignments: You also have Perusall assignments based on articles you will be reading.  That means you will be talking about a particular reading (or a section of a reading) with each other and with me.  You can start a new annotation thread in Perusall by highlighting text, asking a question, or posting a comment; you can also add a reply or comment to an existing thread. Each thread is like a chat with one or more members of your class. Your goals in annotating each reading assignment are to stimulate discussion by posting good questions or comments and to help others by answering their questions.  I will also be adding instructions to the reading discussions, helping to direct your conversations.

Research shows that by annotating thoughtfully, you’ll learn more and get better grades, so here’s what “annotating thoughtfully” means: Effective annotations deeply engage points in the readings, stimulate discussion, offer informative questions or comments, and help others by addressing their questions or confusions. To help you connect with classmates, you can “mention” a classmate in a comment or question to have them notified by email (they’ll also see a notification immediately if online), and you’ll also be notified when your classmates respond to your questions. You mention them by using @their name.

For each assignment we will evaluate the annotations you submit on time (see below). Based on the overall body of your annotations, you will receive a score for each assignment as follows.  Your Perusall assignments are worth 35% of your total grade and you have 7 of them.  You will find more information about Perusall located HERE.
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