Using the Hackathon Model in Social Work Education

A recent innovation adapted from the world of commercial computer hacking is known as a Hackathon event. Hackathons are characterized by problem-solving in small groups, under time pressure, to develop creative solutions to a challenging problem. This paper presents the evaluation of a Hackathon app...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSocial work education Vol. 41; no. 8; pp. 1563 - 1576
Main Authors Cwikel, Julie, Simhi, Meital
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 17.11.2022
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Taylor & Francis LLC
Subjects
Brainstorms
Case studies
Competitiveness
cooperative learning
COVID-19
Creativity
Curricula
Educational research
Graduate students
Hackathon
Hacking
Innovations
Learning
Pandemics
Pressure
Problem solving
Professional practice
Professional training
Research methodology
small group technique
Small groups
Social work
Social work education
social work innovation
Students
Teaching
Teaching methods
Teams
Teamwork
Trauma
trauma course content
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Summary:A recent innovation adapted from the world of commercial computer hacking is known as a Hackathon event. Hackathons are characterized by problem-solving in small groups, under time pressure, to develop creative solutions to a challenging problem. This paper presents the evaluation of a Hackathon applied in two courses on trauma-informed practice (one BSW and the other at MSW level). Students (N = 57) developed interventions to address group and community trauma presented in case studies. Social work doctoral students served as judges (N = 5), evaluated the presentations and selected the winning team. The evaluation showed that the students and judges felt that the Hackathon promoted learning, creativity, teamwork and the incorporation of concepts learned in the course. The competitiveness and being judged were viewed as negative aspects by the students and the judges concurred that the competition detracted from the educational experience. More research is needed on how to apply the Hackathon model to other types of social work curricula including the teaching of various research methods. The current COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the social work profession to address its myriad social implications. How to adapt social work practice toward the incorporation of e-therapy and e-consultation might benefit from Hackathon brainstorming.
ISSN:0261-5479
1470-1227
DOI:10.1080/02615479.2021.1910654