Navigating the Shift: Evaluation of Online Learning on MSW Students' Professional Development in Postpandemic India

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented public health measures, including lockdowns that forced educational institutions to transition from conventional learning (CL) to online learning (OL). This shift significantly impacted disciplines like social work, which rely heavily on practical and fieldwork experiences. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of OL versus CL for MSW students across 12 states in India. A survey study design was utilized, conducted via online platforms, involving various social work institutes. A total of 391 participants completed the study, providing digital consent. Sociodemographic details and a modified self-assessment questionnaire for OL and CL were used to assess the impact of OL over CL. Results indicated that while MSW students adapted well to new learning technology (referred to in this article as "adaptation of learning new technology" [AT]), both theoretical learning (TL) and practical learning (PL) suffered without adequate direct supervision. Notably, West Bengal students showed the highest adaptability to new learning technologies and performed well in both TL and PL, whereas Karnataka students showed less interest in AT and TL. Kerala students preferred CL, Telangana students leaned toward conventional PL, and Tamil Nadu students showed a strong preference for CL over OL. These findings underscore that, despite the pandemic-driven shift to online platforms, the lack of practical supervision presents a significant challenge for social work education. Addressing this gap is crucial to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of training in the digital era.