Storytelling for social change: Using emerging technology to develop antioppressive social work training and practice

Area of Science:

• Public Behavioral Health
• Social Work Practice
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Social justice is integral to social work and public behavioral health.
• A gap exists in integrating systemic, antioppressive focus with individual-level practice.
• Emerging technologies offer novel approaches to behavioral health training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a model for using emerging technologies in antioppressive behavioral health training.
• To explore participatory design methodologies for developing technology-based training modules.
• To empower social work students in creating virtual reality (VR) experiences addressing social inequities.

Main Methods:

• An experimental course at a school of social work.
• Utilized participatory design methodologies.
• Incorporated immersive storytelling and virtual reality (VR) development.

Main Results:

• Students were introduced to an antioppressive social work practice model.
• Explored the use of immersive storytelling and emerging technologies for social impact.
• Students designed and created their own VR experiences addressing systemic barriers.

Conclusions:

• Emerging technologies can effectively engage practitioners in antioppressive behavioral health.
• Participatory design fosters skills in creating technology-based solutions for social justice.
• This approach can enhance training for addressing institutional, cultural, and societal barriers to wellness.